The St Francis Bay Bridge Club hosted their most successful tournament recently with one hundred and twelve players from towns stretching from Bedford to Knysna participating. With this substantial entry the club managed to make a profit which they donated to Hospice at a small gathering of committee members at the home of Bridge Club President, Geoff Ellis.

Committee member, Wendy MacKenzie, who was also at the handing over ceremony, commented that the Bridge Club was fortunate in having one of the top Tournament Directors in the country in attendance and this added to the prestige of the tournament, as did the venue, the St Francis Links, which is ideal for a tournament of this size. She said: “Many local St Francis Bay club members graciously hosted visiting players which also helped to save expenses and add to the surplus. Visitors had some free time to explore the village and were impressed with what they saw so it was good publicity for the village too.” Ellis said: “We are glad that the club is able to assist such a worthy cause and we know that the need is great.”

Geoff Ellis (left), Chairman of the St Francis Bay Bridge Club, presenting the donation to Malcolm Devine, Chairman of the Local Management Committee for St Francis Hospice Kouga.

Malcolm Devine, Chairman of the Local Management Committee for St Francis Hospice Kouga, was invited to attend the gathering to receive the donation of R4 300.

Devine, on behalf of Hospice, expressed his sincere appreciation for the donation. He explained: “Hospice is suffering severe financial constraints in serving the needs of terminally ill people, and preparing folk for bereavement. The government no longer supports us so we have had to retrench staff and now have only two qualified sisters, Sister Ingrid Williams and Sister Sharon von Mollendorff, to see to the needs of the whole of Kouga which covers a large area. This puts a huge strain on them.”

Money is needed to buy medicines and other medical equipment. Apart from financial help, household goods and linen that can be sold in the Hospice shop in Humansdorp would be gratefully received. Volunteers from the community are also needed to assist with the running of the Hospice shop and with fund raising efforts.

If you feel you can help in any way, do contact the Hospice office (phone: 042 291 1159). They would be delighted to hear from you.

(left to right) Roger Lea, Vice-President, and Geoff Ellis, President of the St Francis Bay Bridge Club, with Malcolm Devine, Chairman of the Local Management Committee for St Francis Hospice Kouga, and Wendy MacKenzie Past President of the Club at the presentation of the donation to Hospice.