Media Release
SPAR donates R1.9 million make-over to CANSA’s Mkhuhla Care Home
This week, SPAR and friends officially opened CANSA’s re-vamped Mkhuhla Care Home in Umbilo, Durban, which was given a R1.9 million make-over.
This revamp followed the passing of Liz Hook, the wife of SPAR Group Director, Wayne Hook. The SPAR KZN DC, with Wayne’s consent, dedicated a day of their Golf Tour to Liz’s memory and to raise funds in aid of cancer. The funds raised on the day amounted to R11000 on one of the holes which the SPAR team agreed was insufficient and launched an impromptu telethon on the verandah of the golf club contacting suppliers and SPAR owners alike and managed to raise R1 000 000 in an hour of serious cajoling. MD of SPAR, Rob Philipson then contacted Wayne to advise him of the sum raised and Wayne in turn undertook to find a worthy Cancer cause to assist.
Wayne Hook and his 3 children, whose late mother and wife underwent cancer treatment, was looking for an opportunity to help support others in similar situations, and was advised that the CANSA Mkhuhla Care Home had been offering an excellent service to the public and was a worthy cause to support. . He and his family, on visiting the facility, were impressed with the care the home and Care Clinic provides for people who come to Durban for Cancer treatment but have no where to stay during this time. The thumbs up was given and the 3 month project commenced.
With a team of motivated and dedicated SPAR staff, some professional support provided by contractors, the home now has been given a bright new look with new furniture, furnishings, and décor, but also much needed repairs and maintenance were also carried out.
“The home which was established in 1975 ensures a warm and welcome stay for our patients and their care-givers in well equipped, comfortable bedrooms with access to a secure garden setting or a communal lounge.” says Cara Noble, Divisional Manager Service Delivery KZN of CANSA. “We also provide three meals a day for the 29 people in our care on a daily basis. Our funds and time is spent primarily on caring for the people here whilst they undergo treatment, and with funds always being a challenge, things like furniture and furnishing and even maintenance have to take a back seat. It is overwhelming that SPAR and their suppliers and staff and retailers and many other friends of theirs have all gathered together to raise money and give so much of their personal time to revamp our Care home and offices. We are so proud of the finished product!”
At the handing over ceremony, Rob Philipson, said “We managed to raised R1 million in cash from various sources at our Golf Day , which was great, but the actual value achieved was over R1.9 million after we had managed to “squeeze” our SPAR friends even more as they saw the benefit of the home and the need for the revamp”
Philipson also handed over the keys to a CANSA branded Mercedes Vito to Cara Noble in addition to the refurbishment, a much needed upgrade to their current fleet, to be able to transport patients to the various treatment centres in Durban. Plus, he announced that SPAR has further pledged R20000 per month for twelve months for the home to purchase groceries at the local Queensmead SUPERSPAR.
“Liz would be very proud of all the effort that has been put into this make-over.” said Hook. “Our family would like to thank SPAR and everyone involved in this project for honouring her memory in this way.”
For more information about CANSA and Mkhuhla Care Home go to www.cansa.org.za/cansa-mkhuhla-care-home/ and like the Facebook page CANSA Durban. Anyone in need of counselling, screenings, a wig or any support during their journey with cancer, or would like to join a support group or need guidance as a caregiver contact CANSA on 031 205 9525 or email Vanitha Naidoo on vnaidoo@cansa.org.za.
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