Be a hero to a hero

Not all heroes wear capes, and Hospice East Rand (HER) is asking Benonians, from one hero to another, to support its various initiatives.

Hospice East Rand is an NPO that has, since 1986, specialised in care for families where a loved one has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.

Hospice recently became a beneficiary of the My School My Village My Planet card.

“It does not cost you a cent, but every time you swipe your card you are adding value,” said HER marketing and media liaison Jonquil Siepman.

According to the website, the programme was established on September 30, 1997, by a Johannesburg-based parent who wanted to help his child’s school raise more funds easily and sustainably.

The programme began as a fund-raising tool solely focused on providing individuals with the opportunity to raise funds for their local school every time they shopped but expanded to assist “villages” and “planets” around 2007 due to the growing need in South Africa.

Hence, the programme is now called MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet.

Siepman said in the past only one beneficiary could be selected, but now three beneficiaries can be added to the card.

Those who are interested in signing up or adding the organisation as a beneficiary can visit the MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet website at www.myschool.co.za

Hospice is not struggling to pay their staff salaries, but some help along the way is appreciated so the funds can be utilised elsewhere.

“Many of the people who we help have no medical aid,” Siepman explained.

“The more support we receive, the more we can do.”

This initiative hopes to raise money to pay some of the staff salaries for a sufficient amount of time.

In November the goal is to raise funds through the Hospice East Rand Toy Faire from 11:00 to 14:00 on November 8, 10, 15 and 17.

The palliative care centre is hoping to host its annual Candles of Remembrance in November, but a date will be announced closer to the time.

The Hospice charity shops play an important part in raising funds for the organisation. These shops are located in Boksburg, Benoni, Edenvale, Germiston, Kempton Park, Springs and Brakpan.

For more information about the Kemston Avenue centre, call 011 422 1531.

ALSO READ: Hospice and SPCA enjoy BCT cake