Edenvale Care Centre Hospice Struggles Amidst Funding Crisis

The Edenvale Care Centre Hospice is in a state of financial distress after the Gauteng Department of Health has failed to provide funding for several months. Marlene Hooper, Administrator of the care centre, dismissed the rumors of closure stating, “We will fight to the end. With 21 years of history, we will not close.”

Financial hardships have hit the centre to such an extent that paying staff has become a challenge. Hooper explained that the last time they received payment from the department was in January. “We had received no payment from the department on May 30. The directors and community donors are keeping our doors open,” she said.

Despite signing the annual payment contracts in March and release payment forms in April, the centre has yet to see any funds. They were expecting to receive funding several weeks ago but it did not materialize.

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In the face of this adversity, the centre is turning to the community for support. Former fundraiser Sam Atrash, who previously stepped down from his position, has been asked to return to assist in these challenging times.

Several fundraising events are in the pipeline to help boost the finances of the care centre. The first event is a soup day scheduled for June 23 where, for R100, community members can partake in a warm vegetable soup meal while also receiving a knee blanket.

Following this, the centre is organizing a mini-market on July 6 from 09:00 to 14:00. Along with fostering community interaction, the event will also host the SA National Blood Services for blood donation drives.

During July, celebrated as Mandela Month, the centre plans to host a nappy drive. After the overwhelming success of the previous year, where the community donated 167 packs of adult nappies against a request for 67, they are hopeful for an even better turnout this year.

Despite the situation, Hooper is grateful for the continued support of their regular donors such as Central Build It, Specichem, and Platchem. However, she observed that donations from the community have started to decline due to the economic crisis.

To support its operations, the centre needs non-perishable food, adult nappies, and monetary donations.

Donations can be made to the Edenvale Care Centre General Account. Their banking details are:

Bank: First National Bank

Account name: Edenvale Care Centre General Account

Account number: 62122086821

Branch number: 201510

Account type: current.