A story about a lost wallet found has moved us to tears because this story is so much more than just the kindness displayed; it’s about a life led with purpose.
Rivonia, Johannesburg – A domestic worker found a wallet, inside was some cash and an Absa bank card. She set off to a nearby Absa bank to hand the wallet in. When ABSA called the owner to let him know his wallet was with them, the story evolved into something greater than a good deed.
Rose is a domestic worker in Johannesburg; she has lived a tough life and faced many obstacles. Despite this hardship, she has remained a good-hearted person who thrives on doing what is right. When she handed in Steven’s wallet, she left her name and number so he would know who she was.
Rose never expected much, she hoped to hear from Steven but what happened next never once occurred to her. Steven’s wife Brenda went to meet her and took a thank you gift in the form of some money for her. When Brenda handed over the money, Rose collapsed on the floor, sobbing!
Brenda sat next to her and listened as she explained how the last year had been one of the hardest she has faced to date.
Rose’s employer is relocating to Cape Town, and she has been retrenched. Beyond that, her son is autistic and to best support him; she placed him in a special needs school in Limpopo.
After she left, she had a motherly-instinct that told her something was wrong. She couldn’t shake it and took time off work to travel back to Limpopo to check. When Rose arrived, she found her son beaten and abused. She quickly removed him from the school and brought him back to Johannesburg to care for him herself. Sadly the abuse has pushed him back into himself and any progress made over the years has been lost.
Brenda sat shocked at the pain this powerhouse mom has had to endure. Now Brenda hopes to do something exceptional to repay not only the kindness Rose displayed but to raise enough money to secure their immediate future.
Brenda and family are now working to make a more significant difference in Rose’s life. They are hoping to start raising funds soon. As Rose’s son has so many medical needs now, the biggest concern is having him receive the best medical care.
Rose, her husband and son are all in Limpopo at the moment to regroup their hearts and figure out what is next. Once they return, Brenda will sit with them to see which is the best way forward. Once that happens, we will do an updated story to keep you posted.
Play Your Part is a nationwide movement created to inspire, empower and celebrate active citizenship in South Africa. Its objective is to lift the spirit of our nation by inspiring all South Africans to contribute to positive change, become involved and start doing – because a nation of people who care deeply for one another and the environment in which they live is good for everyone. The campaign is driven by the Brand South Africa.
Play Your Part is aimed at all South Africans – from corporates to individuals, NGOs to government, churches to schools, young to not so young. It aims to encourage South Africans to use some of their time, money, skills or goods to contribute to a better future for all.
There are numerous opportunities, big and small, for each and every South African to make a positive difference in the communities in which they live and operate. Play Your Part encourages them to act on these opportunities.
For more information on how you can play your part click here #GetInvolved #PlayYourPart
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