Thank you, till next time!

Rustenburg – Ep and Joke Huurnink are two wonderful, caring and giving volunteers from Haaksbergen, Holland.

They have been volunteering at Hospice Rustenburg for 10 years, arriving early January every year and leaving around April.  

They chose this period as it is freezing cold in Holland and they love sunny South Africa – especially Rustenburg and its people. They say that is what keeps them coming back every year!

Ep and Joke have been married for 43 years and have three children. Ep is a radar engineer and his work sent him all over the world. Joke is a qualified seamstress and loves teaching people how to sew.
Ten years ago, Ep googled volunteering opportunities and Hospice Rustenburg, South Africa, popped up. A few emails later and they were on their way!

Ep also started a vegetable garden in Kroondal, assisted by caretakers and patients. Unfortunately, this year the project drew to a halt as thieves stole the fencing and all the garden tools. Ep also does general maintenance work where needed at the Hospice office and at the charity shops. If anything is broken, Ep can fix it!

Joke started a sewing support group with patients in Boitekong, teaching them how to sew and to generate income. Joke also mends any damaged clothing donated to Hospice and breathes new life into old garments.

Ep and Joke drums up support for Hospice in their local community, with cake bake-offs and donations from their church, all of which is much needed and appreciated.

Hospice Rustenburg is blessed to have them as guardian angels and wishes them well, till we meet again!