Dear Friend of Hospice Plett

It’s a bit of a cliché to comment on ‘how time flies’, but this year, with the welcome opening up of the economy, I do think everyone has felt a little speed wobble. It is a full four months since Ed Muchanje, our much-loved ex Clinical Manager, took up a position at the Jasmine Hospice in Georgetown, Cayman Islands. Once again, a big thank you to Ed for all that he contributed to the Bitou Community in the 7 years he spent with us; first as a Carer, then as a Professional Nurse, and finally, as the leader of our Clinical Team. His compassion, dedication, and sense of humour served as an inspiration to us all. Of course, we do like to think that we had a little something to do with this prestigious appointment too. And just a reminder, we are still looking for that special someone to fill the huge vacancy he left as Clinical Manager. If you know of a Palliative Care specialist that would fit the bill, please encourage them to contact us.

For us, March brings the fiscal year-end and the customary examination of past performance, funding and staffing requirements to achieve our goals for the new year. This year, we have also had to say goodbye to The Discovery Fund (managed by Tshikululu Social Investments). Their unparalleled 7-year funding programme has ended. Long-term grant funding such as theirs provides the foundational wherewithal for us to not only survive the lean years but to flourish! Their commitment to improving community health has touched us all and we cannot say thank you enough. We look forward to a new, as yet unidentified, partnership to take us through the next phase of our development.

The fundraising efforts of the Bitou Community proved as generous as ever. Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who donates to or buys from our Charity Shop on Crescent Street. The Charity Shop is a true win-win for all.  Gently used, but no longer needed household goods and clothing resold at a very affordable price, enhance the lives of so many directly and indirectly. The income generated for Hospice Plett contributes a substantial amount towards our everyday running costs. To all concerned: Keep up the excellent work!

Secondly, our congratulations and thanks to the Artists who participated in two fabulously successful Art exhibitions held during this fiscal year, masterfully curated by our Vice Chairman, Lady Conyngham (The Palette, The Furnace, The Chisel and off the Blade being the most recent). The public was enthralled by the range and quality of our local artworks as reflected in the sales turnover. The Artists generously contributed a much-appreciated percentage of their sales to the Hospice coffers.

We have had great support from various local businesses too: TI Paint for a fabulous new coat of paint on the office building, Autech for keeping our fleet in good running order, Helen Melon for contributing to our fuel costs, Coastal Creations for rebranding our vehicles.

To our faithful individual donors – thank you for your continued support. You are the difference! (Remember that we issue 18A Tax certificates for financial contributions, so you can write off your donations.)