Dotsie Isaac, left, presents the cheque to Founder St John Hospice, Agnes Meeker. (Photo courtesy Dotsie Isaac)
Well known local poet and spoken word artiste, Dotsie Isaac has made a significant contribution to the St John Hospice.
During a short presentation ceremony at the institution yesterday, Isaac handed over the donation in the amount of $4,000 to its founder, Agnes Meeker.
Isaac said that she was moved to make the donation on behalf of her two deceased brothers who received care at the institution.
“I make this contribution to the St John Hospice on behalf of my brothers, Ivor and Everett Isaac, who were in care here at Hospice. I knew of Hospice, obviously, because I was a member of POWA when this was dedicated. But to really know of Hospice, you have to experience it,” Issac explained.
“And I don’t think it was unfortunate or fortunate, I don’t know, depends, that I was able to experience firsthand the care that’s given here. And so I was moved to do this in honour of my brothers and to have you continue the good work that you do here, the necessary work that you do here.”
She said the funds came from her annual production, “Senses”, which is an evening of poetry and music featuring her work.
Meeker, in accepting the donation, thanked Isaac for her generous contribution, and described the organisation as a happy place for those who were being cared for there.
“We have so many people here who have been with us for a long time that make sure that everybody is taken care of to the best of their ability. And it’s a happy place, it’s not a sad place. We all come at the end, you know, so if we can keep it uplifting and as happy as possible. And thank you. Thank you for thinking [about us] and for your donation,” Meeker said.
The St John Hospice has been in operation for the past 13 years, with Meeker offering home care three years prior.
The organisation, which is not funded by the government, has 11 rooms, Meeker said — two designated for respite care, which is normally short-term and nine for those who are terminally ill.
Meeker said there are currently seven patients at the institution, which is located on the compound of the old Holberton Hospital.
