SECUNDA – Ms Shirley Coetzee’s dream to open a hospice in Secunda, is slowly becoming a reality.
She already opened her house to patients in need last year and held the official launch at the Kruik Church.
She experienced a setback on Friday, 12 July when a fire spread from the fireplace to the living room’s roof.
Mr Deon Coetzee, owner of the house, and the House of Mercy staff were able to evacuate the elderly.
No injuries were reported.
Mr Coetzee estimated the damage at about R5 000.
He will need to fix the ceiling and a few beams in the ceiling.
Ms Coetzee has been involved with Cansa for years and always loved working with fragile people.
She realised there is a need in Secunda and the surrounding areas for a hospice and decided to take a step of faith by opening the hospice.
A few patients already made House of Mercy their new home last year, but Ms Coetzee added a few more beds in the meantime and her team of workers and supporters is growing.
Ms Coetzee wants to put together a committee for the House of Mercy.
Money is needed to upgrade the house and to cover daily running costs.
House of Mercy currently has seven permanent residents, and can also accommodate day visitors.
“If your parent or grandparent is too sick to look after themselves at home while you have to work, you can bring them here for the day,” said Ms Coetzee.
Some of the needs at the House of Mercy include food, clothes (especially small sizes), adult nappies, toiletries and paint to upgrade the house.
Mr Tim Denny, DA Councillor, and members of Ward 30, showed their support to this initiative and will help with marketing, advice and other necessary services.
Mr Denny believes a hospice must be a happy and compassionate place and must look bright and sunny.
Thus, he wants to repaint the house and upgrade a few other things.
For more information or to support the House of Mercy, contact Ms Coetzee at 076 577 1165.
Also read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/142444/house-mercy-hospice-catches-fire/
