GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Next week, Camdeboo Hospice will be forced to severely reduce services offered, due to their funding crisis.

Interviews were conducted on Monday for the internal applicants for the positions of manager, part-time fundraiser and two carers. The remaining seven carers will be without a job from next Tuesday, and patients in Klipplaat, Jansenville and Aberdeen will no longer receive support.

A strategic planning meeting was held last week to work out the best way forward with the limited manpower and resources.

According to manager Susan van der Linde, Hospice owns three vehicles: a GWM Steed twin cab, bought with funding from Iqraa Trust in Durban; a Hyundai H1 nine-seater bus donated by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) in 2019; and a 2015 Hyundai Grand i10.

To bring in some funding, the Hyundai i10 will be sold.

"With the reduced staff complement, the nine-seater bus is no longer needed, but unfortunately, neither donated vehicle may be sold," said Colleen Buckle, the current administrator and corporate fundraiser.

"According to the NLC grant agreement, if the vehicle is no longer required, Hospice must give it to another NPO, at no cost."

Meanwhile, the search for funding continues, as they try to keep their heads above water for the sake of the remaining Graaff-Reinet patients.

Staff and board members manned a well-supported stall at Saturday's Collection Fair market, with a selection of books and white elephants.

Cash donations, however small, are most welcome, as well as donations of cleaning materials and stationery.

These can be dropped off at the office in Church Square.

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