Hospice still going strong after nearly 16 years
The idea of starting a hospice in Mbombela was conceived while a group of friends were enjoying a game of bridge in August 2005.
A steering committee was formed on October 19, 2005, and Mary Lebotschy was elected the chairperson. The other members were Karen Bullen (secretary), Serena Andrew (caregiver), Megan Earnshaw (fundraiser), Maggie Thomson and Vernon Radley.
Nelspruit Hospice was constituted during November that year.
For the next few months funds were raised to appoint and train a professional nurse and to recruit and train volunteers.
An office space was sourced and applications made to legally register Nelspruit Hospice as a non-profit organisation with the Department of Social Development.
One year later, Nelspruit Hospice opened its office in 7 Rothery Street.
The Roman Catholic Church, under Fr Jonathon, offered Nelspruit Hospice two rooms in its house for a period of one year. In lieu of rental, Nelspruit Hospice offered to install two Trellidor sliding security doors.
Membership with the Hospice Palliative Care Association of SA was applied for and granted on May 4, 2007.
Various fundraising events took place as well.
Memorable events were a Moroccan evening held at Utopia in Africa Guest Villa where R20 000 was raised and the first golf day during August 2006.
Vision 2000 heard Lebotschy and Bullen’s interview on Radio Laeveld and made a donation to Nelspruit Hospice at the golf day.
During 2013, Nelspruit Hospice initiated a bereavement support group, helping people who had lost a loved one through the grieving process.
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Nelspruit Hospice became a familiar site at various shop entrances where honey was sold, and passers-by were informed about it and encouraged to make donations.
With the generous donations from the Mbombela community and local businesses, Nelspruit Hospice was able to purchase its own property at 84 Ferreira Street.
Since its inception during 2006, Nelspruit Hospice has rendered quality home-based palliative care to 990 patients and their families, and is still going strong.
It wanted to say a big thank you to all the donors, sponsors, volunteers and supporters over the years. Without this help, Nelspruit Hospice cannot continue to render quality care to the people of the community.
