Financial boost for hospice service

THE local members of the Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller presented their first donation to their chosen charity the In Home Hospice Care Mount Gambier earlier this month.

The four members- the Hon Ben Hood MLC, Sandy Coulson CSM, Kylie Boston and Tim Frost were invested into the ancient Order on February 22, 2025.

The Order has as its reason for being- assistance to the poor, the sick and those in need. It is based on Christian principles having been founded in the 9th century by Brother Gerard.

A very successful raffle was held at a lunch on the Investiture Day and combined with generous donations came to $2 755. This was presented to the In Home Hospice Care manager Sandi Elliott by Sandy Coulson, on behalf of the group.

Ms Elliott said that this money would be used to help the group’s ongoing expenses in areas such as volunteer recruitment and training, management of client referrals and insurance.

In Home Hospice Care has been providing assistance for four years to clients who are palliative and wish to die at home and Ms Elliott looked forward to an ongoing relationship with the Order.

The four members of the Order in Mount Gambier, as well as fundraising for In Home Hospice Care, are looking to increase their numbers across the Limestone Coast so that they can form their own Commandery. They are currently members of the Adelaide Priory but money raised by the group all goes to local charities.

Sandy Coulson said that the group was pleased to welcome In Home Hospice Care board member Beryl Mahoney and volunteer Deborah Seidel to assist with fundraising.

She said that the local Order members had several fundraising ideas but hoped to have one significant fund raiser this year.