South Coast Hospice has experienced a year of challenges brought about by a lack of project donor funding as South Africa faced one of its toughest years.
As a small non-profit, hospice feels like it has been tossed about on a stormy sea with little light ahead to guide it to a safe harbour.
In order to find its way, hospice has had to take drastic steps to survive the journey and has closed its beloved Kingfisher In-Patient Unit.
CEO Diane van Dyk said the unit has, over the years, been a safe harbour for many a weary soul.
“We have also had to lighten the load by retrenching team members who have stood alongside us through many challenging times. Their dignity and dedication has humbled me as well as those who are to remain.”
Despite this sad news there have still been times of joy and laughter.
The 2023 Voices for Hospice, under the baton of Noel Roos, inspired many, with wonderful interaction among the schools and Khula Community Centre.
Then there was the Donkey Derby, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Fallen Friends pool competitions, and golf days.
In addition there was Tree of Light (with its usual accompanying rain!) and the back-breaking Christmas wrapping station, showing that when the going gets tough the tough get going.
“Wonderful days with community members and hospice friends from near and far that showed their hearts are for our hospice,” said Diane.
“What has been a beacon of light is the love and support from our entire community with donations in cash and kind. When we have had to raise the alarm and ring the bell, our community has come out in numbers to stand alongside us.”
Unfortunately, as the new year begins, hospice is back to the very basics – a handful of dedicated individuals taking care of patients in their homes, sitting alongside the terminally and chronically ill.
By providing palliative care, which is the relief of distress and pain, hospice’s work continues, including psycho-social care for patients and family members, where no one is left alone.
The hire of beds and medical equipment is still available as is the collection of chronic medicines through the chronic medication distribution point.
Fundraising continues with a new focus, the first event being a Valentine’s fundraise Fabulously Feminine at Umdlalo Lodge in Umtentweni on February 10 at 14:00. Cost is R150. Entertainment by Ian King. Cash bar, silent auction, raffles and lucky draws.
* The Kingfisher Charity Shop is open, situated at hospice’s premises at 29 Connor and McArthur Street, Port Shepstone, every Tuesday and Thursday.
Please continue to assist with donating your unused/old clothing and household items as every little bit counts.
* South Coast Hospice’s challenge for 2024 is to secure a guaranteed monthly income to sustain its patient care programme.
This can be done through monthly debit orders, PayPal and EFTs.
Any amount monthly will give hospice the security it needs to plan ahead for sustainability.
South Coast Hospice Association, Nedbank, Port Shepstone, Account 1398023256, Swift code NEDSZAJJ.
Debit orders, contact BT King on 082 7280233.
Donations: Email fundraising@schospice.co.za or for more general info email info@schospice.co.za.
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Letter from a patient’s family…
As the old year closes and we look forward to the new, it’s a good time to reflect on what has gone before and what you’d like to see ahead.
Many times I have thought about the work of South Coast Hospice and the incredible role they played in caring for my mother, with dignity and compassion.
They went above and beyond in their support for a teen girl grappling with a dreadful journey of watching her mother suffer.
But it was the little things they did that make this place more than a care facility and more of a home away from home.
At that time, 28 years ago, it was the sunny smiles and kind eyes that greeted my mom and I daily.
The hugs and time given to me to sit by mom’s side every day after school.
The quiet encouragement when days were hard with physical and emotional pain.
The offering of meals and a place to stay over when times felt overwhelming and my mom needed me close by.
The effort put in to make her daily stays interesting with crafts and activities bringing joy and smiles to an otherwise sad and pain filled face.
The emotional support and visits to make sure I was okay at my place, and continuing for a long while after she died.
The patients weren’t a body or a number, but a person with heart and fears needing medical care, but more importantly loving care.
Thank you South Coast Hospice for giving my mom dignity, love and care in the final chapter of her life. May your work be continued with support from near and far.
I do pray that doors open to continue your necessary work.
Thank you.
BRITT KUHN (nee de Klerk)
HAVE YOUR SAY
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