Since its inception 30 years ago, the purpose of the Highway Hospice has been to care for the terminally ill and to support their families. Two years ago they did, however, realise that some of the patients under their care were able to continue with their lives as a result of undergoing chemotherapy and being in remission, or becoming stronger and healthier through the use of ARVs.
Unfortunately, these discharged patients were finding that there were no job opportunities available for them.
Providing funding was not an option, so the Highway Hospice, under the management of Sheryll de Jager and the guidance of Rose Luthuli, introduced the Ithemba (meaning hope) Project. This project provides an opportunity for those people who are living with a terminal illness to earn an income.
Clothes for this initiative are collected through the Highway Hospice charity shops in Hillcrest, Pinetown and Sherwood. Rose Luthuli then divides the clothes into bags for the unemployed people in Chesterville, Inanda and Umlazi.
The bags of clothes are bought by the 37 recipients for R20 each and they are then able to sell them for whatever they can. “Some of them make just enough money to be able to feed themselves and their family for the month, whilst others travel to other areas and sell the clothes for more, which allows them to pay for school fees, clothes and stationery,” explains Sheryll.
Liza Clifford Professional Bra Fitting Studio was established in February 2011 and, from the word go, Liza ‘confiscated’ the bras which her clients arrived in because they were the wrong size. She collected these, many of them almost brand new, and was determined to find the right cause to donate them to.
When she heard about the Highway Hospice’s Ithemba Project, she was delighted. “Not only would people in need be making money to cover their basic needs, but they would be empowered and their dignity restored, which ties beautifully in with what the Liza Clifford brand stands for,” explains entrepreneur Liza Clifford.
The bras are packaged separately and bags sold for R30 each as they make significantly more money than the other items of clothing. “On hearing that my clients’ bras had not only allowed a mom to put food on the table but also to buy her child school shoes, I was thrilled,” says Liza.
“I encourage ladies to collect their bras and clothes, and contact the Highway Hospice on 031 709 2647. They will collect the donation from your home when they are in your area,” continues Liza.
Phone Adele or Liza on 082 655 1785 or email them on bras@lizaclifford.co.za to make the necessary arrangements.
For more information on the Highway Hospice and the Ithemba Project visit www.hospice.co.za or phone Sheryll de Jager on 031 709 2647.