As I reflect over the past year, I want to highlight and celebrate our successes. Despite the global economic turmoil, our beautiful country has so much to celebrate. Winning the Rugby World cup highlights that when South Africans work together we can achieve the (seemingly) impossible.
The same holds true for our organisation. Despite numerous NPO’s facing financial difficulty resulting in the downscaling of their services or even closing their doors, we have so much to celebrate this year.
It would not have been possible without the passion, dedication and incredible work ethic of my team who firmly believes that “each patient’s life journey is precious and unique and is deserving of dignity
and respect”
The bar was set high at the beginning of the year, and the team embraced the challenge and exceeded
all expectations! “Sustainability and growth” were the buzzwords this year and I am incredibly proud to report that we have made great strides in both areas.
PMB & District Community Chest provided funding for a much-needed facelift for our charity shop. The “Pre-loved” shop was officially re-opened on the 1st of June, and I am thrilled with it’s success. Income generated from the shop assists us with our core service which is to provide free Palliative care to the Howick community and surrounds.
Our partner in this success is the community who generously donates preloved items for us to sell.
We had a full events calendar this year, and I want to commend Meghan Coslett, our Marketing Coordinator who was appointed in April for her incredible effort, enthusiasm and energy. Meghan replaced Angela Lauer who sadly left us in March due to a change in family circumstances. However, I am very excited to announce that we have not lost Ang entirely and she will be involved in an exciting new Hospice venture in 2020.
We have seen an increase in patient numbers and on average, we provide service to 82 patients and 57 family members every month. Our Social Worker, Thembeka Ntombela who was appointed earlier this year proved an invaluable asset and is one of the key reasons we are able to provide support to more family members this year. Our clinical team have successfully networked with local departments and we are steadily seeing an increase in referrals.
Funding always remains a challenge, but we are grateful for our many different funders, both local and international for their continued support as well as individuals who have shown support through donations and bequests. We are overjoyed to have received four substantial bequests this year which has a significant impact on our sustainability.
News supplied by Howick Hospice.