For the past 38 years, 218 Kemston Avenue, the home of East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC), has been a beacon of hope for those suffering with life-threatening and limiting disease.

Currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, ERPC (formerly Hospice East Rand) is bidding farewell to the tree-lined streets of Western Extension as it prepares to usher in a new chapter in its commitment to providing quality holistic home-based palliative care.

From November 1, the Northfield Methodist Church campus in Airfield will become home to the organisation’s administrative operations.

“As an NPO which receives no government support and, therefore, relies heavily on donations, our priority is to continue offering care to our patients and their families in the comfort of their homes,” said ERPC general manager Andrea Nazam.

“The move is motivated by our ongoing cost-cutting initiatives to redirect funds to services. The decision to move was made to ensure the organisation’s long-term sustainability.”

Speaking at their AGM on October 19, chairperson of the board Con Roux said despite celebrating four decades of committed service to the community, the realities of the rising costs of living cannot be ignored.

“We still enjoy great support through our main income generating streams – the ERPC charity shops – however, many cash-strapped households are opting to sell higher value pre-loved items instead of donating these.

“Community members are also thinking twice before spending money on non-essential goods.

“These trends have forced us to re-examine our operations, to better streamline daily expenses while funneling funding to where it is needed most – the care of those in need.”

Roux and Nazam reiterated that the move would further enhance ERPC’s visibility, thus further opening dialogue about the role of palliative care as a complementary service from the time of diagnosis throughout to treatment and recovery.

“Just as palliative care is not reserved for end of life care so too are we embarking on a journey to ensure our organisation’s ongoing health,” said Nazam.

“This is not the end but rather an exciting new chapter.”

Roux confirmed that the ERPC’s property where the donation depot is based as well as the Victoria Avenue property, from which the popular bookshop and charity shop operated, have already been sold with the sale of the administration property expected to be finalised soon.

“Stock from the two shops will be distributed among the existing charity shops, ensuring every donated item will be available for resale.

“We believe that the next chapter in our organisation’s story will be a tale of resilience and adjustment, while maintaining our core principles of care and support.”

ERPC’s new address from November 1 will be Northfield Methodist Church, Aerodrome Drive, Airfield, Benoni.
For more information go to www.erpc.org.za

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