Volunteers give a helping hand to Hospice East Rand
“Your time is the greatest investment into the organisation’s ongoing success.”

Connection, creativity and care.
These driving factors led Veronica de Kleyn to donate her free time to Hospice East Rand.
Having spent most of her working life kneeling next to tots, guiding them as they reached their educational milestones, De Kleyn felt an inherent need to be of more service to others.
As time passed, she raised a family and grew a successful pre-school.
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“The Covid-19 pandemic and the lengthy lockdown regulations eventually forced my hand, and I retired earlier than anticipated,” she said.
“Initially, I enjoyed having more time to do the things I enjoy. I was burning through books, racking up the steps with my walking group and dancing up a storm at line dancing, yet it felt like something was missing.
“As the initial bliss of being retired wore off, I started feeling like I was no longer useful. I felt detached from my community.”

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Having witnessed several family members bravely battle cancer and another benefit from the home-based palliative care rendered by Hospice East Rand, De Kleyn promptly added her name to the organisation’s volunteer network.
“It has been four years since I clocked in for my first shift at the hospice bookshop on Victoria Avenue, and it has truly become an integral part of my life,” she said while sorting out freshly donated books.
“I am able to contribute to a phenomenal organisation’s ongoing success while connecting with our loyal supporters on a deeper level.
“I love to interact with the community, learning about their likes and interests so that I can recommend new and exciting books they might enjoy.”
Pride
Watching as Hoërskool Hans Moore learner Matthew Bischoff lugs three boxes brimming with books through the door, De Kleyn says having young and fit volunteers around helps keep operations running smoothly.
“Since I started volunteering, my confidence has grown, and knowing that I am helping others has filled me with immense pride,” Bischoff said with a grin.
“Being of service to others is not something that can be forced; it is something that should leave you feeling fulfilled.
“Whether I am helping carry boxes, sorting or helping customers, I know whatever I do here impacts the lives of those who benefit from hospice’s services.”
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Hospice East Rand volunteer co-ordinator Isabella Pretorius said offering your time to hospice is done based on your availability.
“We request between two to four hours of your time. We are grateful for help in various forms, whether it is serving the public or offering minor handyman services like installing racks or fixing creaking doors.”
However, those wanting to give their time to help patients must complete training aligned with the hospice’s ethos and service mandate.
“Quality and passionate patient care is of the utmost importance. Therefore, training is essential,” said Pretorius.
“I do believe everyone is capable of empathy and possesses the necessary care to be of service to others. At hospice, we strive to place volunteers in roles best suited to their strengths and abilities.”
About volunteering for Hospice East Rand
Hospice East Rand has 10 charity shops in Ekurhuleni – Benoni, Boksburg, Edenvale, Germiston and Kempton Park.
A charity shop volunteer’s functions include:
• assisting the manager;
• serving customers in a friendly and helpful manner,
• helping to unpack and sort donations and price mark them.
Time commitment
Ideally, you should be able to volunteer two to four hours once a week on a weekday.
The charity shops are generally open from 09:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and from 09:00 to 12:30 on Saturdays. Two to three people are always on duty together.
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“Volunteers should have a friendly, positive and approachable manner, be able to follow instructions, be flexible, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and have their own transport,” Pretorius said.
For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Pretorius on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings on 011 422 1531 or volunteerservices@hospiceeastrand.co.za
Note that volunteers get no remuneration for their services.