Help Ingwavuma’s little butterflies to soar
BECOME part of a select group of people the 500 friends of Butterfly Home - to help the young patients receiving end-of-life care at this Ingwavuma children's hospice centre.
In a bid to get Butterfly Palliative Home – the only children’s hospice in KZN – into a more sustainable position financially, Christoff and Tarryn Bell who run the centre have launched the #500friends campaign. Tarryn is a social worker and Christoff is a doctor at Mosvold Hospital, tending to the hospice children after a full day’s work. “The idea is that 500 ‘friends of
Butterfly Palliative Home’ commit to donating R500 each month to support our work,” said Tarryn.
“If we get 500 friends, our overheads and salaries are covered each month.
“It’s been a slow year financially, and we believe this could turn things around.
“I think many people want to make a difference in South Africa, and especially KZN, but don’t know where to start.
“A R500 donation is not a crazy amount, but can make a huge impact.”
It is not just individuals and families who can pledge - businesses are also urged to consider supporting this centre.
About Butterfly Palliative Home
One of only three children’s hospice facilities in South Africa, and the only one in KZN, Butterfly Palliative Home was started in 2017 with the Bells’ first adopted child Ncami, who sadly passed away at the age of two.
She had Down syndrome and a heart condition.
Baby Si then came along in 2019, who was estimated to be six months old when he arrived from Soweto.
He had been found in some bushes, and was diagnosed with Edward’s syndrome.
He lived at the home, which wasn’t on its current premises, until he passed away at the age of four.
Three years ago, the Bells bought the land with a dream of building the hospice.
The facility was built thanks to numerous generous donations, and officially opened in 2022.
“We believe every child needs to be in a loving family,” said Tarryn.
To set up your R500 monthly pledge:
Butterfly Palliative Home
FNB cheque account
Acc number: 62857825742
Branch: 250069
Swift: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: 500 Friends
Once pledged, please email your name and contact details to info@butterflyhome.org.za so Tarryn can keep track of all their ‘friends’.