An idea that was formed some seven years ago when two friends went on their regular walk through the streets of Bedfordview, has led to thousands and thousands of rand donated over the past few years.
This year was no exception with the Shuffling Walking Team raising over R500 000 with their annual walk that took place on Sunday July 29 in Bedfordview. Stepping Stone Hospice & Care Services was one of the seven beneficiaries chosen and on Tuesday 4 September, a cheque of R100 000 was handed over to Stepping Stone Hospice CEO, Tersia Burger.
Maria da Silva, co-founder of the Shuffling Walking Team, explains that this year has exceeded all their expectations. “To raise this kind of money in today’s tough economic situation, is no mean task, but our committee are made up of a dynamic group of women who all work extremely hard and with total dedication, and combined with some amazing sponsors, we pulled it off!”
“Cancer is something that has impacted many of us on our committee and in my case, I lost most of my family to cancer. So if we can help organizations who help those facing life-limiting illnesses, then that’s what we do,” she says.
Maria and her friend, Marinda Garrana, started walking together and participating in various fundraising walks. “We decided to organize our own fundraising walk in Bedfordview and here we are today in this position, where we can assist people facing the challenges of cancer related illnesses.
“We’ve heard so many good things about Stepping Stone Hospice and the incredible work done by the staff,” explains Maria. “This is the third year we’ve chosen them as a beneficiary and we also need to thank them for the work they do and the services they render to the patients and families.”
CEO of Stepping Stone Hospice, Tersia Burger, could hardly contain her emotions when the cheque was handed over. “The funds received from Shuffling Walking Team last year has been deposited in our Building Fund and I am proud to announce that we are ready to throw the foundations of our planned extension to our In-Patient Unit. The funds received today will be added to the Building Fund and we hope to invite your committee to our opening which should hopefully still be this year,” Tersia announced.
To learn more about Stepping Stone Hospice and the work they do, click here
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