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30 September 2020 | Story Nitha Ramnath | Photo Supplied
SWSA represented by Mariné du Toit (left) and Lyshea Mapaike(right) at the handover of the funds raised

Sunflower Children’s Hospice, situated on the ground floor of the National District Hospital, is a non-profit organisation that provides care and compassion for all children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. As far as possible, the hospice aims to keep children within their families and communities, with relevant supervision and support.  However, the hospice is also a permanent residence to many children.

At Sunflower Children’s Hospice, children and their families are provided with:
• palliative care, including pain and symptom management;
• quality of life;
• relief of suffering;
• support for child and family/guardians;
• developmental stimulation;
• support during the bereavement period;
• dignity in death;
• community participation; and
• relevant training.

Due to limited funds, the hospice experiences many financial challenges, which motivated the Social Work Student Association (SWSA) to become involved. Their involvement led to the establishment of the ‘#Adoptaflower’ project by raising funds for the organisation and getting more Social Work students to spend time with the children, as they do not have enough caregivers at the house to give them the special personal attention that they need.  This project was spearheaded by Mariné du Toit, Portfolio Head: Community Upliftment of the SWSA. 

The fundraising initiative collected R1 300 from selling raffle tickets to the university community.  Due to COVID-19 and the lockdown period, it became impossible to proceed with the intention of the Social Work students to spend more time with the children.  

Besides Social Work students not being able to proceed with their intention of interacting more closely with the children concerned, the lockdown unfortunately also affected it negatively in other areas.  The hospice needs assistance with clothes, toiletries, and groceries. Sunflower House therefore needs funds and sponsors to continue providing services to so many children in need of care and support. For more information regarding public involvement, 051 448 3813 is the number to call. 

News Archive

Anglo Boer War: Book launched
2005-10-10

During the year end function of the Kovsie-Alumni Trust of the University of the Free State (UFS) this weekend, a book titled "Riders in the Night" written by Mr John Dyer, was launched.  The book deals with facets of the Anglo Boer War. Mr Dyer is an internationally recognised person in the world of conservation and a connoisseur of  African nature. Half of the South African sales of the book will be donated by Mr Dyer to the Kovsie-Alumni Trust.

 

 

From left Mrs Frances Hoexter, Mr John Dyer, Prof Leo Barnard (head  of the UFS Department of History), Judge Faan Hancke (chairperson of the UFS Council) and prof Frederick Fourie, (rector and vice-chancellor of the UFS).     

 

Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Strategic Communication Division
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
BLOEMFONTEIN, 9300
Tel:  (051) 401-2584
Fax: (051) 444-6393
 

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