Hope and joy brought to Stepping Stone Hospice in Alberton by Dankie, Lottoland

Renowned television program Dankie, Lottoland continues to touch hearts and make a meaningful difference in South Africa, leaving an indelible mark on the town of Alberton.

In the latest episode of Dankie Lottoland Season 7, beloved actress Melinda Viljoen, recognised for her role in Binnelanders, recently brought profound joy as she paid a visit to Stepping Stone Hospice.

Inspiring hope

Amidst the dedicated staff and patients receiving care at Stepping Stone Hospice, a heartwarming encounter unfolded as Melinda, accompanied by the popular programme Dankie, Lottoland, met with Tersia Burger, the founder and CEO of the hospice.

During their meeting, Tersia shared the poignant story behind the creation of Stepping Stone Hospice, recounting her daughter’s dying wish to alleviate the suffering of others.

Deeply moved, Melinda handed over a green envelope containing R100 000 to address urgent renovation needs, including drainage and flooding issues within the facility.

However, the surprises didn’t end there. A second green envelope held even more remarkable news – an additional R100 000 to support the expansion of the hospice.

Currently, Stepping Stone Hospice stands as the sole facility of its kind in Alberton, where the demand for palliative care remains high.

“I was incredibly astonished to see how a remarkable programme like Dankie, Lottoland acknowledged and supported a humble hospice like ours,” said Tersia.

Thanks to Lottoland’s support, Tersia’s dream of accommodating more in-patients and expanding the hospice has received a significant boost.

“With their generous contribution, we were able to give our rooms a fresh coat of paint, matching the quality of care we provide.

“The impact of Dankie, Lottoland continues to resonate throughout South Africa, going beyond financial contributions to inspire hope, transform lives, and cultivate a spirit of generosity within communities,” expressed Tersia.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, she added, “We cannot find enough words to express our deep appreciation and the immense feelings that this generous assistance has stirred within us.

“The messages of gratitude poured in from all corners of the country, including Cape Town, Mpumalanga, and even reaching as far as America, where an old school friend reached out to express their support,” Tersia concluded.

More about Dankie Lottoland

Over the past two years and seven seasons, this initiative has dedicated over R18-million to projects nationwide, providing true hope where it is needed most. The tangible results of their efforts can be seen through the distribution of numerous green envelopes, extending support to a diverse range of projects across the country.

Maryke Haywood, the esteemed marketing head of Lottoland, has been a driving force behind this care project. She resonates an unwavering commitment to highlighting and assisting unique projects and extraordinary individuals.

Dankie, Lottoland has become a catalyst for transformative change in the lives of many.

Haywood expressed her admiration for the remarkable endeavours undertaken by people across the nation, which often go unnoticed by the broader South African population.

“It is a deeply moving experience when you see what has been achieved by people to help others. We then get these unique ‘stories’ to share with the rest of the country. That is the magic of Dankie, Lottoland,” she stated.

The reach and influence of Dankie, and Lottoland are further exemplified by the involvement of well-known personalities who wholeheartedly support the initiative from its inception.

These individuals have generously contributed through donations, provision of resources, and crucial exposure for locally-based charity organizations where the need is dire.