Covering the gap and reaching out to the less fortunate.

Edenvale resident Annamarie Lechki spoke to the NEWS on April 15 about the work she does with RySky Foundation to help the less fortunate during lockdown.

“I am a believer in helping others because it’s the right thing to do.”

She said she doesn’t believe in glorifying her work to display the recipient’s need.

“I wanted to create awareness for the help that is so desperately needed out there. “

Annamarie is the founder of RySky and said she has been a resident of Edenvale for many years.

“I have enjoyed watching the community evolve and grow with pride,“ said Annamarie.

She is a Hungarian national by birth and is a church teacher for children.

Annamarie is also a foster care mother.

Her foundation was named after Ryan, her foster daughter’s late father and Sky her foster daughter.

“There is a lot of soul, history, sorrow and sweetness in my long journey,” she said.

“I have been helping others for over six years and recently formed the foundation to reach the correct people that I need to assist me. There are so many kind and generous people out there who want to help but need a registered foundation. “

Currently, the non-profit founder is feeding the needy and sharing education regarding sanitising.

“With the lockdown in place, this is my top priority.”

Annamarie said she obtained the required permit to enable her to collect and deliver basic food parcels, essential cleaning products and basic toiletry parcels and snack items, for the creation and distribution of the parcels in the Greater Ekurhuleni community and surrounding.

“I have also put a lot of effort into reaching out to people whilst they are at home cleaning out cupboards of items they no longer need. “

RySky supports over 50 non-profit organizations, namely Rays of Hope, Ithemba Labantu Soup Kitchen, Elandsvallei Home for the Aged, Lambano Sanctuary, The Khanyisa Trust, East Rand Feed the Needy network, individual family units in informal settlements and many others.

According to the founder, researchers believe that for a South African to live with a basic level of dignity, they require R7 630 a month.

“Stats SA reported that 60 percent of South Africans earn less than R1 227 per month, known as the upper boundary poverty line, 26 per cent earn less than R560 a month, known as the food poverty line.”

She said the less fortunate are most vulnerable and have been of concern to governments and civil society for hundreds of years.

“Numbers tend to rise when economic conditions take an adverse turn. “

Annamarie described her lockdown journey as heartwarming and heartbreaking.

“I knew there was high poverty in our area, but just not the depths of the challenges that some people face daily. “

Her challenge is the majority of people want to help and can help but are hesitant to go out and purchase food to contribute.

“It has also been a challenge being on the road and going into some areas alone. “

Her highlight is when the less fortunate not only ask for help but offer to help as well.

The philanthropist shared one of her stories.

“We were contacted by a family in Springs. When we arrived their living conditions was less than ideal, so we proceeded to gift them with a basic food parcel. They declined it and handed us two bags of clothing.”

Annamarie made light of other people in her community doing good deeds.

“I have been networking with like-minded organizations and individuals in the private and public sector. This has enabled us to feed many and they are humble, generous.”

Annamarie said she is proud to call them friends.

“I met the likes of Anna Mojapelo, a children’s advocate who established the New Jerusalem Children’s home with help from volunteers, government, corporate and donations.

“The centre is a place of safety for abandoned and abused, orphaned and vulnerable children and has sheltered more than 1000 children since its establishment in September 2000.”

Annamarie’s message to community was patience is needed.

“Have faith that everything will be okay. Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize. The hygiene of personal space should be a norm always and not just a requirement now. “

She urged everyone across the board of humanity to embrace people no matter their status, colour, creed and assist where help is needed.

“Charitable giving is one of the most rewarding and honourable things you can do. “

The founder called for the surrounding community and the corporates to help the foundation reach more of the less fortunate, during the lockdown and beyond.

“Monetary donation will assist towards basic food parcels, essential cleaning products and basic toiletry parcels, and yes towards snack items too. “

To assist Rysky Foundation, contact Annamarie on 073 453 9666.