KAROO NEWS - After surviving the funding crisis towards the end of last year with staff cuts and adjustments, Camdeboo Hospice once again is facing the threat of closure.
"The board of the Camdeboo Hospice has been placed under tremendous strain due to the unprecedented disaster of Covid-19 and is financially in a very precarious position," said Brian Hough, the chairman of the board.
According to the manager, Susan van der Linde, monthly running costs are currently about R60 000, however, this is set to increase with the need for more personal protective equipment (PPE), and the annual audit is also due. The Hospice Palliative Care Association of SA will contribute a small amount towards the PPE, but donations towards surgical gloves and surgical masks would be greatly appreciated. Hospice is distributing these to patients, as well as visitors to the office who do not have masks. An application has been submitted to the National Lotteries Commission Covid-19 Relief Fund for general running costs, as well as relief funding from various private and government organisations.
Many regular donors have unfortunately also found themselves in a tight situation financially.
"The forced postponement of the 2020 Hike and Hobble is going to have a devastating effect on our finances as it is our main source of income," said fundraiser Colleen Buckle. "We had hoped to raise R150 000 this year, so the cancellation is a huge blow," she added, asking sponsors if possible to still honour their pledges. On a more positive note, Camdeboo Hospice is continuing with its work in the community with a reduced staff of six. During lockdown, Sr Loretta Wiehann has ensured that the patients were not neglected and made house calls twice a week paying extra attention to those whose needs were greater. Sadly, four patients died. Jumble sales from their garage have recommenced on Fridays from 09:00 to 11:00, and sales of books, DVDs and CDs are also in full swing.
Food parcels were received for the patients from KFC Add Hope, with much gratitude.
"As long as Camdeboo Hospice has sufficient funds, we will continue to carry on with the care we have been providing in the community, albeit on a reduced scale," concluded Hough.
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