Together we can create a special world!
Together we can create a special world!

Hope House Celebrates Spring

29 Sep 2024
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HOPE HOUSE CELEBRATES SPRING

Dear Friends and Supporters

As the bitterness of winter retreats, we have a lot to celebrate at Hope House!

Spring has Sprung

Stanley, our green-fingered gardener has been hard at work preparing the garden for summer – weeding, planting, pruning, composting… 

Our dedicated Housemother, Sherezaan, takes a moment to appreciate some of the beautiful clivias from our garden.

Housemother Sherezaan taking a moment to appreciate some of the beautiful clivias from our garden

Stanley sorting seedlings ready for planting

Outreach and Education

We were delighted when two lovely UCT Occupational Therapy students chose Hope House for a project as part of their studies.  Shannon and Saskia brought some fresh ideas to the group meetings, and the residents were very touched by their kindness. Thank you to both of you for your care and energy!

Shannon playing 30 Seconds with the residents. Lovely to hear laughter and lively conversation!

Shannon playing 30 Seconds with the residents. Lovely to hear laughter and lively conversation!

Saskia and Lindsay puzzling out a sewing pattern

Saskia and Lindsay puzzling out a sewing pattern

One of those glorious winter mornings when there is enough sunlight to open the door and enjoy its gentle warmth while we worked

This was one of those glorious winter mornings where there was enough pale sunlight to open the door and enjoy its gentle warmth while we worked

Paris Olympics 2024

Our ingenious Skills Therapist, Sue, kept the flag flying with Olympics-themed activities and information sessions.

Thanks to Betty Solomon and John’s Dobson’s kind donation of a DSTV installation and subscription, the residents and staff could be part of the excitement - watching and cheering any and all Olympic and Paralympic events

Sometimes we improvised our own Olympic events! >>

Sometimes we even improvised our own versions of Olympic events!

Good News

Last week we received the wonderful news that the Department of Health has agreed to renew our subsidy for another six months!

A very special thank you to everyone who made this happen: our residents, volunteers and staff – in particular Sue; and our dynamic Project Manager, Linzaile, who has ensured that all our compliances and reports are complete and up-to-date.

Can you believe that Lin has been with us for a year already?

Linzaile ensuring that every i is dotted, and every t crossed 

- always impeccably dressed with a smile!

Linzaile ensuring that every i is dotted, and every t crossed -always impeccably dressed with a smile!
Upgrading the DB Board for our gym

Shocking news

As part of our necessary ongoing maintenance, we underwent an electrical inspection, and discovered that our electrical systems needed updating. A week later, we were surrounded by sparkly new fittings, switches and even DB Boards.

Our grateful thanks go to our loyal supporters whose generosity allowed us to undertake this vital project.

Changes in legislation necessitated a major overhaul of the DB Board in the kitchen >>

Changes in legislation necessitated a major overhaul of the DB Board in the kitchen

Thank you 

While on the subject of maintenance, we would like to say a very big thank you to Tom Fair, who drops everything when we call him to help sort out anything from dripping taps to wonky window frames – always with a smile and a kind word.

Tom Fair

Upcoming projects

To improve the ease of access and level of security we offer to residents and visitors, especially at night, our driveway gates should be automated.


We need to convert the double swing gates to a single sliding gate, as the proximity of one gate to the neighbour’s wall does not allow for the installation of a motor. This is a much bigger project than we first envisioned, so we have had to put this on the back burner until we can raise the necessary funds.

Talking of fundraising…it’s time for one of our biggest annual fundraisers!

You are invited to attend our

OPEN DAY

On Saturday 23 November 2024, from 9.30 am – 12.00 pm

Hope House Open Day Banner

Come and browse – Christmas gifts, crafts, books, plants, white elephant, plus much more.

Take a break with a delicious tea and treats in the lovely tranquil garden

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU!

At Hope House, 32 Peak Drive, Pinelands (off Forest Drive)

Phone Jess 082-920-2195 for further details

Changes at Hope House

On a more serious note, we will soon be saying a fond and grateful farewell to two of our long-standing Trustees: Betty Solomon and Alison Berrange.

Betty has been with us since the birth of Hope House - 22 years ago! Alison has also been with us for many years - she has not only taken our Tuesday aerobics classes, but has also managed all staff matters with remarkable efficiency and empathy. We are so pleased that Alison has offered to continue with the aerobics classes, which are vital for the health and wellbeing of our residents.

Wendy Goddard, who joined us in June, will be coming on board as a Trustee.

Mental Health Awareness month

October has been declared Mental Health Awareness month, with the objective of not only educating the public about mental health but also to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness are often subjected to.

The green ribbon is the international symbol of Mental Health Awareness.

Wear a green ribbon to show colleagues, loved ones, or simply those you walk past, that you care about their mental health. Or wear it in memory of a loved one.

Get people talking. Get them to ask you "What's the green ribbon for?” Tell them it is to raise awareness, that it's okay to talk about Mental Health.

Green Ribbon

Come and get your free green ribbon at Hope House

– take one for a friend too

Please help us continue making a difference in the lives of our residents:

> Come along to our Open Day on Saturday 23 November

> Make a donation via EFT or Snapscan:

Hope House Trust
FNB Rondebosch
Branch Code: 201509
Account No: 620 217 010 09
(Tax certificate available)

> Speak to your financial adviser, and leave a bequest to Hope House

Thank you, and see you at our Open Day on 23 November!

Jess

Snapscan

HOPE HOUSE TRUST | IT.3077/2000 / 012-500 NPO

Trustees: Alison Berrange, Jess Mackintosh (Chairperson), Grant Mackintosh, Paul Rode, Peter Smith, Betty Solomon

Back to Hopeful News posted on 29 September 2024

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