Hospice remembers loved ones at annual event

Hospice East Rand and community members celebrated and remembered the lives of loved ones when the NPO hosted its annual Candles of Remembrance ceremony recently.
Held virtually, the ceremony took place at St Dunstan’s College.

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It allowed community members to reflect on 2022 while remembering family and friends who have died.
Hospice East Rand’s marketing and media liaison said guest speaker Reverend Hilton Volkwyn shared a moving message about living fully and dying well.

Chesney Foster sang Scars in Heaven with Elijah Stoebel as guitarist and viewers listened to an instrumental piece by Michelle and Amanda Wang while reflecting on the message shared.
Hospice East Rand’s Sister Tracey Scholefield read a beautiful poem entitled I Miss You.

During the ceremony Hospice East Rand staff stood together to light candles in remembrance of patients, family and friends lost this year and years prior.
“Burning a candle is symbolic, it ensures that the memory of loved ones lives on and burns bright. It was both moving and calming watching all the candles burning brightly together.”
Speaking to the community, Hospice East Rand’s chairperson Con Roux highlighted the financial struggles the NPO has endured for the last three years, He highlighted the NPO’s gratitude to people for supporting them.

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This has been done by the community’s continuous support of Hospice East Rand’s charity shops.
Items donated to the charity shop are sold back to the community to generate funds for the NPO. This accounts for 63% of the NPO’s income.

Con also highlighted the role that corporate donations have played over the years.
Despite the NPO’s challenges, Hospice East Rand supports and cares for those with life-limiting illnesses.

The NPO gave special thanks to everyone involved in this year’s Candles of Remembrance.