The Stepping Stone Hospice and Care Services has renewed its appeal to the Alberton community to support its ongoing Brick by Brick fundraising campaign aimed at building a new 14-bed adult hospice facility in Raceview.

The planned facility, to be built at 14 Glen Albyn Street, will expand the organisation’s ability to care for people living with life-limiting illnesses in Alberton and surrounding areas.

The project, estimated to cost about R16 million, will include private patient rooms, a family lounge, a quiet room, a nurses’ station and upgraded medical equipment designed to create a more supportive environment for patients and their loved ones.

Stepping Stone Hospice founder and CEO Tersia Burger said that the project is vital to meeting the growing need for palliative care in the community.

“Our current inpatient unit in New Market Park only has eight beds, and the infrastructure is outdated. Expanding our facility will allow us to care for more patients and provide the dignified, compassionate support they deserve,” she said.

According to estimates using the Murtagh method, between 45% and 50% of deaths in South Africa could benefit from palliative care.

The need is further highlighted by the country’s heavy burden of disease, including HIV, tuberculosis and non-communicable diseases.

In 2024 alone, the hospice cared for 241 patients in its inpatient unit, registered 238 new patients and maintained contact with more than 1 000 people needing support.

The team also conducted hundreds of home visits to assist patients and their families.

Burger said that the new facility will help reduce waiting times and allow the hospice to reach more people who require specialised care.

“This project is more than just a building. It is about improving the quality of life and offering comfort and dignity to people during some of the most difficult moments for them and their families,” she said.

Residents, businesses, schools and community organisations are encouraged to continue supporting the campaign by making a donation.

Donations can be made to:

Account name: Stepping Stone Hospice and Care Services

Reference: Brick by Brick

Bank: Absa

Branch: Alberton

Branch code: 632005

Account number: 4086095643

Proof of payment can be sent to finance@steppingstonehospice.co.za

For more information or to support the campaign, contact the hospice on 010 442 5059 or email info@steppingstonehospice.co.za

Burger added that every contribution, no matter the size, helps bring the project closer to completion.