Foundation recognises those who help others

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February 17, 2025

Jani de Beer and Tayla Smit 2 minutes read

Making a birthday wish come true, The Humanity Foundation presented Clayton Viljoen of the Urban Ruins Project with an honourary award. Seen here are Sheri Lurie, Pierre Marneweck and Chantel Wright of the foundation.

Tears, cheers and laughter echoed throughout the Rasam Tandoori Indian Restaurant in the Sheridan Centre when The Humanity Foundation gathered to show their appreciation to a man, dubbed a pillar of the Boksburg community, on February 2.

In 2020, Sheri Lurie’s life took an unthinkable turn when she lost her wife and children to Covid.

Overcome with grief, the Benoni resident’s life spiralled out of control, and she found herself living on the streets, doing everything in her power to feed her addiction.

Back: Pierre Marneweck and Sheri Lurie. Front: Clayton Viljoen of Urban Ruins.

A chance encounter with Clayton Viljoen of the Urban Ruins Projects in Plantation saw Sheri get the support she needed to rebuild her life.

“It is difficult to put into words what Clayton did for me. It is easier to say he saved my life,” she said with tears rolling down her face.

Sheri’s life was again turned upside down, and her will tested when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Sweets, treats and other munchies were given to Sheri Lurie in celebration of her recent birthday.

The prognosis was severe, and doctors gave her only six months to live.

On January 30, nine months after her diagnosis, she celebrated her birthday, making only two wishes: to dine at an Indian restaurant and honour Viljoen.

Hearing about her desire, The Humanity Foundation waved its wand and hosted a luncheon to honour these individuals and appreciate those who contribute to the community-driven organisation’s ongoing success.

Reflecting on its growing success over the past two years, one of the founding members, Pierre Marneweck, said he is humbled by people who selflessly step up to help those in need.

“We are surrounded by incredible NPOs who go beyond the call of duty to extend a helping hand.

Receiving a certificate on behalf of Woodlands International College are Mia Batista and Natalie Short with Chantel Wright and Pierre Marneweck.

“It is difficult to highlight the work of one and not the other, but after hearing Sheri’s story, it was obvious that the first recipient of The Humanity Foundation’s honourary award should be Clayton,” he said.

“This man does not simply give hand-outs; he meets every beneficiary personally, listens to their plight and assists from a place of pure love.

“Beyond his workings, he has helped us establish Urban Humanity Food, a branch of service that secures and distributes food staples to 28 locally vetted NPOs in Boksburg and Benoni monthly. These donations assist these organisations with their ongoing feeding schemes.”

Recipient of a certificate of appreciation, Tayla Smit, senior journalist for the Boksburg Advertiser. Seen with her are Pierre Marneweck and Chantel Wright.

To wrap up the formalities, Woodlands International College and Ashton College Benoni received certificates of appreciation for their ongoing support and donation drives to aid the foundation.

Toni Quattro of QualiPak, Tayla Smit (Boksburg Advertiser) and Jani de Beer (Benoni City Times) were also among the certificate recipients.

Viljoen said receiving the honorary award felt surreal, “It’s truly a collaborative effort. The Humanity Foundation has supported us in almost every way. It is rather ironic that I’m receiving an award because it is thanks to them that we can do what we do,” he said.