20/11/2025
FROM THE CHAIR – NOVEMBER 2025
I planned to send this update at the start of November, but the month seems to have gathered speed at an astonishing rate and carried us all with it. Here we are, deep into the month with year-end functions, prize givings, school exams and holiday preparations already in full swing, even if summer still seems undecided about arriving!
Of course, the pace of Silly Season does not apply to everyone. At Hospice, the work continues. The office and the Hospice Shoppe will close from 23 December and reopen on 5 January, yet someone will remain on call. Illness does not pause for holidays and families facing a life-threatening diagnosis still need support. In fact, this time of year is often one of our busiest as other medical services close. We assist where we can, though our resources are naturally limited.
What continues to inspire me is the level of care this small team gives. Their commitment is remarkable. They pour time, energy, compassion and practical help into every person they support. They even give up weekends to run our Hospice stalls at various local markets, raising funds through books, antiques and art.
I have seen their frustration and disappointment when they cannot assist someone because it falls outside our mandate or service area. These moments remind us of the gaps and failings in our health care system and why our work matters so deeply.
One of the long-term projects we are exploring is community outreach in areas without hospice care. This is still in the early stages, but the need is growing. A strained healthcare system and rising rates of serious illness mean many people receive little or no support. We will keep looking for ways to extend our reach where it is most needed.
To do any of this, we rely on you. Without community support there would be no patient rounds, no equipment deliveries, no end-of-life care, no home visits, no counselling for grieving families, no wheelchairs or oxygen or hospital beds supplied.
Hospice exists because you help it exist. Your donations, bequests and Shoppe purchases are the foundation of everything we do.
Speaking of the Shoppe, Bianca Blom took over as shop assistant at the end of September and the transformation has been wonderful. She loves the work and it shows. If you haven’t visited recently, please stop in and say hello. The shop is thriving under her care.
We have also launched our new Ripples of Love campaign, created by Terran and myself. It allows us to support Hospice and vulnerable families at the same time.
Many people want to contribute but may not need anything from the Shoppe, so we created a way of giving that still supports Hospice while reaching families who are struggling.
Here is how it works. Donations to Ripples of Love go into a dedicated fund. Hospice then issues vouchers to local charity organisations supporting vulnerable families. These vouchers can be used in the Hospice Shoppe for clothing, household items, linen, toys and similar essentials. In a difficult economy, this kind of support can make an immediate difference.
Ripples of Love will continue throughout the year, not just during the festive season. One donation becomes help for Hospice and practical assistance for someone in need. A double blessing.
I recently read the words, “In the heart of every family lies a village ready to nurture and support.” You are part of that village. You help keep the heart of Hospice beating and allow us to walk beside people in the hardest moments of their lives. Thank you for standing with us.
As we move into the final weeks of the year, please hold in your thoughts those who may not be well enough to celebrate as well as their loved ones, and those who would face this journey alone without Hospice by their side. Good health is one of life’s greatest gifts and not something any of us should take for granted.
All of us at Hospice White River wish you a peaceful and blessed festive season. If you are travelling, may your journeys be safe. May the coming year bring you what you most need. And thank you for being here for us. Your support is the greatest gift we could receive.
With gratitude
Di Atherton
Chairlady
Donations to Ripples of Love
Hospice White River
FNB Branch Code 270552
Cheque Account 6202 566 8304
Reference: Ripples of Love
If you visit the Shoppe, you can simply ask Bianca to add a Ripples of Love donation to your purchase.
We will also be having extended shopping hours in December. If you are on Facebook, please like and follow our Hospice Shoppe White River page for updates.
