It’s a worldwide tradition that hospices around the globe celebrate Palliative Care in October. On the South Coast, Voices for Hospice has been held with this in mind.
Voices For Hospice started in 1983, under the guidance of the late Dr Yvonne Huskisson, a doctor of music. She included as many different groups as possible each year, bringing together cultures, ages and styles of music and entertainment.
School choirs have taken part each year, raising funds through coin collections by the learners. Hospice also uses the event to share on the work it does in the community.
“Unfortunately, banks are no longer accepting coins and we had to find another way to be blessed. This year we asked for dry food products and cleaning materials for our inpatient unit and terminally ill patients,” said fundraising coordinator Beatrice ‘BT’ King.
When Dr Huskisson died three years ago, she had already appointed Noel Roos to take over from her when she would no longer be here. Hospice approached Noel to continue and he immediately accepted the opportunity.
BT explained that this year they wanted to do something that could be shared with the Springboks and thus the South African flag was seen draped in the background.
Songs sung included ‘We are the World’ and, of course, the national anthem. Noel spoke about the fact that when we all come together as one, we learn from each other and we share with each other.
Hospice CEO, Diane van Dyk, handed over a conductor’s baton to Noel on the night, as a token of appreciation for all that he has done over many years with all the choirs, music and dancing in the community. “We are truly blessed to have him as an ambassador for South Coast Hospice,” she said.
BT echoed her sentiments. “We are sure that she is smiling down on Noel and, of course, all who participated.” Norwegian Settlers Church was thanked for allowing the use of its church once again. BT thanked the schools for their continued support, as well as the Hibiscus Choir, Khula community from Nyuswa (Oribi), and Margate Pipes and Drums.
“We saw and heard the effort and hard work of the learners, teachers and and parents through the songs and music that was presented throughout the whole programme. You can all be very proud of what you have achieved and how you have blessed the community with in a night of wonderful entertainment.”
“I assure you, also, that the mass choir, led by the Margate Pipes and Drums, singing the national anthem and then We are the World, was a tribute to this wonderful community that hospice is proud to serve every day.”
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