23/03/2026
FROM THE CHAIR MARCH 2026
On the day I wrote this month’s “From The Chair” I received news about someone I know, on our program, who has died. At each Board meeting we receive the latest stats about new patients joining and those who have passed. My friend will sadly be added to the next stats that are read out. But of course these stats are so much more than a number. Someone’s parent, spouse, child, grandparent, relative or friend has gone. There is an empty chair at the table, an empty bed, a quiet house, family who acted as caregivers, watching as their loved one walked a challenging path we all hope we never have to walk, having to adjust to a new way of life.
But Hospice was there, offering practical support, advice, care and comfort. Our team grieves too, whenever we lose a patient, as we have become so deeply entwined with their life and their journey, their hopes and fears. We can do all of this because of the support from the community that we serve.
The Board and the team have been busy since the start of the new year with some exciting new developments and events. Some are still unfolding and we will share news about those soon, but in the meantime:
You may remember that we introduced our Ripples of Love campaign last year. This is where you can make a donation to the Hospice Shoppe and then we use the funds to supply clothing and household goods to local charities who support families in need.
We’ve now decided to expand Ripples of Love to include hiring of medical equipment. What we are seeing is that in today’s economy some people are struggling to pay the nominal rental Hospice charges for medical equipment hire, which is another way we raise funds. (Did you know we have a large range of items you can rent? Wheelchairs, walkers, beds, hoist, crutches, bedpans, commodes, shower chairs and more…..) If you donate to Ripples of Love and specify it’s for medical equipment we will use the donation to sponsor the hire cost for someone. One donation, double benefit!!
Here are the banking details (for all donations):
Hospice White River
FNB Branch Code: 270552
Cheque Account: 6202 566 8304
Reference: Ripples of Love-ME or Ripples of Love HS – depending on if you want the donation for equipment hire or the Hospice Shoppe.
On the 25th March we are hosting our first Twilight Sip & Bowls event at the White River Bowling Club. Bowls and a wine tasting, with boerewors rolls for sale. No bowling experience necessary, the pros will be with us making sure we don’t destroy the greens! R170.00pp with all proceeds to Hospice. It’s great fun and if you can’t make up a team of four, no problem, we are making up teams from individuals as well. When I still lived in Benoni many many moons ago and was part of the Insurance Institute of the East Rand, we hosted several Twilight Bowls evenings and they were one of our most popular social events, so I am really looking forward to this although my bowling skills are very rusty! Wine on Wheels is hosting the wine tasting and there will of course be a cash bar at the Club. Please contact 068 054 7044 or admin@hospicewr.co.za to book your spot. If you are unable to join us but would like to sponsor some prizes, give Angelique a call on the above number.
Our really big fundraiser is our annual golf day which takes place on the 29th May at the White River Golf Club. Planning for this starts happening many months beforehand and we are grateful to Doman Weitsz for their involvement and support in putting this together, as well as all the sponsors that are coming on board.
One of my biggest frustrations (and that of the team) is the common misconception about Hospice, that we are only called in when someone is literally at death’s door and nothing could be further from the truth. The second misconception is that we only work with cancer patients which is also not true.
To explain, Hospice White River offers home-based palliative care. Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life for people living with a serious illness. It can begin at any stage of the illness and can be provided alongside treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, or other medical care. The aim is to relieve pain, manage symptoms, and support emotional and spiritual wellbeing. The Hospice team focusses on comfort, dignity, and supporting both the patient and their family during this time.
The key point is this: Hospice care is not about giving up. It is about ensuring that no one faces serious illness, or the end of life, without compassionate care. Our Hospice team often supports patients and families for many months, sometimes longer, helping them live as fully and comfortably as possible.
One of the greatest gifts we can offer patients and families is early support.
When Hospice becomes involved sooner rather than later, there is more time to manage pain and symptoms, provide emotional and practical support, and help families feel less alone on the journey. Hospice care is not about the last days of life. It is about improving quality of life for as long as possible. If you have a look at our website you can find all the info about what we actually do www.hospicewr.co.za
We can only do this with your continued support. While we are constantly on the lookout for funding opportunities to apply for, and these are few and far between, we are mostly reliant on the support of the community that we serve, through donations, monthly contributions, supporting our fundraising events or our Shoppe. Or having your own special Hospice Hero’s event to raise money.
Your donation and support eases the final stages for someone like my friend, is the caring embrace for a family coming to terms with a devastating diagnosis or the weekly home visit from Sr Elsa. It’s someone saying “we see you and we care”.
Every day our Board and our staff say “thank you” for every cent that allows us to bring comfort, care and practical support into the homes of those facing the unimaginable.
We appreciate you!
Di Atherton
Chairlady
