While East Rand Palliative Care’s (ERPC) service offering is patient-centred, the dedication and commitment of those who work behind the scenes ensures that the organisation remains well funded.

Celebrating 40 years of care, the home-based palliative care organisation is honouring Carol Simoni, who started her journey at its Kemston Avenue offices in 2000.

Carol, the magic-maker behind ERPC’s hugely successful Toy Fair, first offered her time as a volunteer but was soon adsorbed as a member of the team, working in the depot where she receives, sorts and distributes donated items to the organisation’s eight charity shops.

“The charity shops form part of our key revenue streams,” she said.

“Donations received from the community are varied and days are unpredictable as you never know what hidden gems you may encounter amongst bags filled with homeware, clothing and toys.”

Throughout her 26 years of sifting through people’s personal possessions, Carol’s knowledge of prized items has grown, often leading her to contact donors, truthfully disclosing the possible value of donated items and giving them the time to make an informed decision.

“We are incredibly grateful for every item we receive, as every item has the potential to generate an income which in turn benefits the community,” she said.

“However, with care being at the heart of everything we do, I want to ensure that donors never feel short sold.”

Seeing mountains of pre-loved toys constantly stream through the doors inspired her to establish the organisation’s best loved and resoundingly successful Toy Fair.

In the months leading up to Christmas, Carol tinkers in her workshop, cleaning, restoring, painting and dressing up teddies, dollies, trucks and trains, in preparation of the fair.

“Every child deserves to unwrap something special on Christmas morning, but due to financial pressure this is not always possible,” said Carol, her heart bursting with compassion.

“With the fair we aim to give every parent the opportunity to buy quality pre-loved toys, which have been sprinkled with love and sold at low prices.

“This project fills me with great pride knowing that for the past eight years, I played a role in putting a gift in a child’s hands. That is an achievement worth celebrating.”

Remaining motivated and committed after more than two decades of service, Carol said it’s easy, “I enjoy giving.”

These words encompass not only her journey, but the spirit that has carried ERPC through four decades of care, compassion and community.

“Making a difference does not always happen in the spotlight, sometimes it happens in a depot, sorting donations or preparing a toy for a child. It could begin with a quality item that is no longer needed finding a new purpose,” she said.

In closing, Carol urged the community to continue donating quality items to the organisation thus, giving it a second life while helping patients navigate through the uncertainty of a life threatening or limiting illness.

Donations can be delivered to 218 Kemston Avenue, Benoni.

For more information call 011 422 1531

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