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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

Dr Sheila Aronstam receives UFS Alumnus of the Year award
2014-10-23



Dr Sheila Aronstam, recipient of the Kovsie of the Year award and Pieter du Toit, Chairperson of the Kovsie Alumni association.
Photo: Dries Myburgh
The Office for Institutional Advancement at the University of the Free State honoured ten people at this year’s Kovsie Alumni dinner.

Dr Sheila Aronstam received the Kovsie Alumnus of the Year award. Dr Aronstam previously served for eight years on the management of the UFS, where she played a prominent part in the transformation of the UFS. In 2004, with the centenary celebrations of the University of the Free State, Dr Aronstam received a centenary medal for her contribution towards transformation.

She also served on the Council and the Executive of the University of the Free State for period of five years.

In 2014, after a lifelong commitment to Bloemfontein and the University of the Free State, Kovsie Alumni honoured Dr Aronstam as Alumnus of the Year. “Her legacy of equality, tolerance and charity will live forever within the borders of the University of the Free State and the City of Bloemfontein,” said Pieter du Toit, Chairperson of the Kovsie Alumni association.

At this event, Cum Laude awards were bestowed on:

-       Chris Botha, Group Managing Director of Media Shop
-       Pauline Gutter, Free State-based artist
-       Tate Makgoe, MEC for Education in the Free State
-       Jans Rautenbach, South African screenwriter, film producer and director
-       Johan Volsteedt, former principal of Grey College and involved with the television series Dream School SA.

The Ambassador Award was presented to:

-       Odeion String Quartet at the UFS
-       Sibusiso Tshabalala, programme coordinator of the World Design Capital promotion project.

Executive Management Awards were bestowed on:

-       Prof Johan Nel (Emeritus Assosiate Professor UFS )
-       DB Prinsloo, Director of KovsieSport at the UFS.

Kovsie Alumni also bestowed honorary president awards on Prof Nico du Plessis and Adv Mauritz Randlehoff.
 

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