Community support plays an important role in the provision of palliative care across South Africa, from bringing companionship to patients to raising funds for care.
Two recent initiatives at member organisations of the Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC) show this support in action. In Heidelberg, the Paws 4 U team makes monthly visits with their dogs, while the Xtreme Bikers recently completed a fundraising ride for Bloemfontein Hospice.
Bubbles brings good company to Heidelberg
The Paws 4 U team returned to Silwer Akker and Heidelberg Hospice on 3 August 2026 for a visit that has become a regular part of life for residents and patients.
Bubbles, a large brown Boerboel, is the star of the group. She is sometimes heard before she is seen, thanks to her deep bark. Those who know her understand that it means Bubbles and the rest of the pack have arrived.
New residents soon understand the excitement too.
For some patients and residents, these visits are a highlight of the month. A dog resting its head on someone’s lap or settling quietly alongside them brings company and affection. The change in mood may be difficult to measure, but it is easy to see.
Paws 4 U is led by people who care deeply about both the animals and those they visit. Elsabe and the team return each month, giving residents and patients the pleasure of spending time with animals they have come to know.
Xtreme Bikers take to the road for Bloemfontein Hospice
The Xtreme Bikers were back on their motorcycles this year for another fundraising ride, this time in support of Bloemfontein Hospice.
Advocate Henk Cilliers and Dr Dalene van Jaarsveld at Bloemfontein Hospice
The group consists mainly of lawyers who are motorcycle enthusiasts, joined by family members. This year, they travelled 830 kilometres to Daniëlskuil to raise funds for the organisation.
There was time for adventure along the way, including a swim at Boesmansgat, the well-known sinkhole near Daniëlskuil.
Bloemfontein Hospice currently cares for approximately 60 patients, both in their own homes and at its inpatient unit. Funds raised through initiatives like this help the organisation continue providing care to patients and support to their families.
The Xtreme Bikers have been undertaking fundraising rides since 2020. During that time, they have supported schools, centres caring for older people and other organisations, raising hundreds of thousands of rand for different causes.
This year’s fundraising also included a “Court Stories” event, where guests were entertained with stories and humour from the legal world.
The final amount raised for Bloemfontein Hospice was announced at a celebration at the end of July. Hanneke Lubbe and her team also named a room in the inpatient unit in honour of the Xtreme Bikers and their support.
Palliative care is part of the community
APCC member organisations work within communities that support them in ways that extend beyond financial contributions. Volunteers Bubbles and the Paws 4 U team return to Heidelberg each month, while the Xtreme Bikers have been raising funds for South African organisations since 2020.
That continued involvement gives palliative care organisations valuable support and allows community members to play a direct role in the care available to local patients and families.
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