White Rose Hospice benefits from Biker’s Day
White Rose Hospice has received a welcome boost from The Ridge Casino which has donated R18 000 to the care centre.
The money, raised from the recent Biker’s Day at The Ridge Casino and other donations, will assist with funding the hospice’s operational costs.
“White Rose Hospice provides an invaluable service to our community, caring for people with terminal diseases and ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect in their final days. A non-profit organization, it depends heavily on donations and support from companies and individuals to keep operating.
“We are happy that we are able to support White Rose Hospice in extending its much-needed services to the community. Our contribution however can by no means be compared to the tireless effort and love the staff members at the hospice put into caring for their residents. Their work is selfless and so incredibly important.
“We would also like to thank everybody who attended the Biker’s Day event. Their support helped to make this donation possible,” said The Ridge’s Director of Operations and Complex General Manager, Mr Solly Mataboge.
White Rose Hospice was established in 2003 when it was identified that there was a major need for basic general nursing care for the terminally ill in eMalahleni.
The centre, which is the only five-star rated hospice in the area with an in-patient unit, takes care of terminally ill patients affected by cancer and HIV Aids during the final days of life. This includes pain relief, basic nursing needs and patient and family counselling.
Though there is an obvious requirement for a hospice, it still remains self-funding with the help of sponsors and donations as there is no state assistance available.
“The HIV Aids crisis in the area is putting major strain on the already overworked state system and many people are dying alone and uncared for, often in severe pain and distress. We need to be there for them to give dignity and love in their final hours. With the help of our sponsors and donors, White Rose Hospice will always make sure ‘You are not alone’,” said Ms Magda Esterhuizen, the director at White Rose Hospice.
