CANSA, a non-profit organisation that leads the fight against cancer in South Africa, has officially opened its re-vamped Mkhuhla House care home in Durban, thanks to a R1.9 million (approximately €114,000) makeover funded by SPAR South Africa.

The revamp followed the passing of Liz Hook, wife of SPAR South Africa Group Director, Wayne Hook, who underwent cancer treatment. With Wayne’s consent, the SPAR KwaZulu-Natal Distribution Centre organised a golf day in Liz’s memory to raise funds in aid of cancer. The funds raised on the day fell far short of the amount needed. The SPAR team agreed that a more creative solution was required and launched an impromptu telethon at the golf club, contacting SPAR suppliers and retailers. The team managed to raise an impressive R1 000 000 (approximately €56,700) within just one hour. Eventually, the team went on to raise R1.9 million.

Wayne and his three children, who were looking for a cancer charity to support, were advised that Mkhuhla House was in desperate need of a makeover. On visiting the facility, the Hook family were impressed with the care the home provides for cancer patients and the thumbs up was given to fund its makeover.

Thanks to a team of motivated and dedicated SPAR staff, supported by professional contractors, the care home, established in 1975, has been given a bright new look, complete with new furniture and décor. It has also undergone some much-needed maintenance work.

“The home ensures a warm and welcome stay for patients and their care-givers in well equipped, comfortable bedrooms,” said Cara Noble, KZN CANSA Divisional Manager Service Delivery. “We also provide three meals a day for the 29 people in our care. Our funds and time is spent primarily on caring for patients while they undergo treatment and with funds always being a challenge, things like décor, furniture and even maintenance have to take a back seat. It is really fabulous that SPAR South Africa has managed to raise money and give so much of their personal time to revamp the home. It looks fantastic.”

At the opening of the re-vamped Mkhuhla House, Rob Philipson, Managing Director of SPAR KwaZulu-Natal, handed Cara the keys to a CANSA branded Mercedes Vito – a much-needed addition to the organisation’s current fleet, which enables the transport of patients to the various treatment centres in Durban. He also announced that SPAR has pledged a further R20,000 a month for twelve months so that the home can purchase groceries at the local Queensmead SUPERSPAR.

“Liz would be very proud of all the effort that has been put into this make-over,” said Wayne Hook. “Our family would like to thank SPAR South Africa and everyone involved in this project for honouring her memory in this way.”

More information about CANSA and Mkhuhla House.