Hospice grateful for financial support
In spite of Covid-19, hospice has so far ridden the storm of the pandemic.
South Coast Hospice which provides a number of much-needed services to the community was grateful for a donation of R15 740 raised through a South Coast Herald advertising feature.
“We thank all businesses and individuals who participated in the fundraising initiative. We are extremely appreciative and assure you that all funds raised go towards the care and support of patients on our programmes. From our establishment in 1983, the Herald has supported us in so many ways and has kept our palliative care flag flying high – we salute you, said CEO Diane Van Dyk.
In spite of Covid-19, hospice has so far ridden the storm of the pandemic.
“We reacted very quickly in terms of ensuring financial sustainability. All staff took a cut in salary and expenses were decreased from an already constricted budget. We would not have weathered the storm if it hadn’t been for our generous and giving community, who understand our commitment to our patients and their loved ones,” added Diane.
Services provided by hospice are:
* Inpatient unit for respite, symptom control, terminal care and end of life care
* Home based care support to patients and their families
* Grief and bereavement counselling
* Social services for both adults and children
* Support groups
* Chronic medicines and treatment onsite
* Delivery of chronic medicines and treatments to satellite sites
* Outreach programmes
* Project specific services (paid by the funder to manage the project for a certain period of time)
* Gender Based Violence – education, information sharing and interaction on challenges for people living in communities where domestic abuse and gender based violence is prevalent
* Mental, health and wellness promotion in these challenging times – care and support of people living with mental health challenges is a growing concern in our community
The non-profit organisation has also been faced with challenges.
“As service providers to a vulnerable community, the challenge for us as a team is to ensure we remain Covid-free for the work to continue,” said Diane.
Also, the sourcing of funding remains a challenge, as the organisation has been unable to do any public fundraising events.
“Counselling and trauma needs also doubled and that has put a huge strain on the psycho social team. Our attending doctor, Dr Gerald Baldrey died suddenly and Dr Hilton Horsley has been standing in.”
Hospice has started using its reserves and hopes to build up again soon, however this cannot be done without the community.
The public is called on to assist, so that it can continue to provide its much-needed services.
“The community can volunteer their time and skills by becoming ambassadors for the work that we do,” said Diane.
They can also support the charity shop by donations of goods, food and clothes, time, cash donations and purchases as this contributes to its sustainability.
The organisation also welcomes bequests which ensures its future for many years to come.
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