Tree of light burns bright

THE annual Zululand Hospice Association (ZHA) Tree of Light celebration proved an emotional, educational and inspirational evening for the large crowd of supporters.

Held at the ZO premises on Thursday evening, the prime purpose of the event was to celebrate and remember the lives of family members and friends who were gently helped to their final rest by the Hospice caregivers.

Statistics presented by ZHA general manager Christine Samuel, revealing the amount of work done by nurses and counsellors over the last year, showed just what an immense contribution the organisation makes to the communities of the region.

“We cared for an average of 118 beneficiaries each month and performed a total of 15 990 interventions, including responses to queries.

“We also distributed 828 meal, clothing and toy parcels, with a clinical team dealing with challenges such as rough roads, load-shedding and truck congestion, but we persevered,” said Samuel.

“The fact that we have a volunteer doctor with a passion for palliative care, plus the gratitude of our patients, makes it all worthwhile.

“Together with the family members, we were happy to render the love, care and support needed until their journey ended.”

Personal insights into the lives, experiences and journeys of patients were shared by Sr Jane Ashburner and Hospice ambassador Neena Bezuidenhout.

Candles were lit in loving memory of departed family members and friends before the Tree of Light was switched on by ZHA chairperson Dr Peter Haselau and ZO consultant editor

Dave Savides.

SCAN ME ZO consultant editor Dave Savides and ZHA chairperson Dr Peter Haselau switched on the Hospice Tree of Light remembrance lights

Hospice stalwarts Sr Jane Ashburner and GM Christine Samuel were assisted in selling remembrance candles and lights by enthusiastic volunteer Zelda Warren

On behalf of the community, ZHA board member Louise Brockmann thanked Hospice for their untiring efforts in caring for patients and their families

Hospice ambassador Neena Bezuidenhout put on a brave face despite sharing with guests the tough year that saw her lose her father to cancer

Dalilyn Naidoo and Ronelle Ramsamy from Shalom Lighthouse Empangeni performed two wonderfully appropriate music items

Isabella Marais and O’Shea Hall were among the young ones present

Ariana, Collette and Kiara Harricharan from Collette’s Kitchen made sure guests enjoyed a super meal

Enthusiastic community members Ian Howell and Ray Peyters

Sheena and Simon Harvey were happy to support the Hospice cause

Pastor Erwin Palmer gave the vote of thanks

Candles were lit in memory of loved ones