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


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


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 successful raffle was held at a lunch on the Investiture day and combined with generous donations raised $2755.


This was presented to the Manager of the In Home Hospice Care Sandi Elliott, by Ms Coulson on behalf of the group.


Ms Elliott said the 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.


She looked forward to an ongoing relationship with the Order.


The four members of the Order in Mount Gambier ,as well as fund raising for In Home Hospice Care, are looking to increase their numbers across the Limestone Coast so 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.


Ms Coulson said the group was pleased to welcome In Home Hospice Care Board member Beryl Mahoney and volunteer Deborah Seidel also from the Hospice Group to assist with fund raising.


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