Sunflower Children’s Hospice hosted a successful Mad Hatters High Tea Party this past weekend in collaboration with the Central University of Technology (CUT), raising both awareness and funds for children receiving palliative care.
Director of the hospice, Joan Marston, said this year marked the third annual hosting of the event, which has grown significantly since it was first introduced. “The numbers were quite big compared to when we started.”
Reflecting on the progress of the initiative over the years, she explained the primary goal of the high tea remains creating awareness around children’s illnesses and the work done by the hospice, while also generating much-needed funding.
“The high tea also included good food, courtesy of CUT’s hospitality department, and we hosted an auction where we managed to double what we raised last year, which is a significant step.”
Marston sadly revealed that following the recent passing of some of the children under their care, the hospice is currently caring for nine children. Despite this, the organisation’s reach extends far beyond its residential facility. Through its home-based care programme in Botshabelo, the hospice currently supports around 300 children and their families.
As the oldest children’s hospice in the country, Marston said the organisation’s continued success would not have been possible without the support of the community. “This June, we will be celebrating 20 years of operating, and we’ve only managed to sustain this for so long because of the community.”
Looking ahead, Marston confirmed planning for next year’s event is already underway, adding that awareness and education will continue to remain central to the annual fundraiser.
