Generous supporter helps addicts heal
The Benoni mom's caps and T-shirts have enabled her to raise money to support her first patient.
Danielle Roberts (41) of Benoni, a mom of two who works part-time, has achieved the first step in her goal to help rehabilitate addicts at the House of Mercy in Boksburg.
Roberts explained that she visited the centre recently to tell them she would like to raise money towards underprivileged patients’ rehabilitation.
“I was sceptical about how I would achieve this, but then came up with the idea to make caps and T-shirts with the slogan ‘Be the Reason’ on them, and sell these to raise money towards patient care,” she explained.
In her first attempt, Danielle managed to raise R14 400. This will cover a six-week programme for drug treatment for one patient.
She is determined to help more needy people looking to change their lives at House of Mercy, as she relates closely to the issue of substance abuse as a family member suffered from this.
On March 14, Danielle also donated gym equipment to the centre. The equipment was donated to her by a family member and she decided to pay this donation forward to the patients. The gym equipment they can enjoy includes a treadmill, a rowing machine, kettlebells, an orbi track and an exercise trampoline.
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“I believe a healthy body leads to a healthy mind,” Danielle said.
A few days later, Boksburg Advertiser visited the house gym and found Mthokozisi Mbuyisa (33), a patient, ecstatic about the donation.
He commended the act of generosity, saying that it is good for their recovery process.
On behalf of the House of Mercy, its director Monica Mashiane said: “We were at a loss for words when Daniella said she has finally raised funds for her first patient.
“It brought a lot of excitement as many people have approached us, making lots of promises never fulfilled.”
The centre is still in need of laptops, roof paint, more gym equipment, a medicine trolley, an industrial iron, a pool table, a table tennis table and a filing cabinet.
For more info or to help in any way, contact them on 011 894 4050/2.
Get a cap (R100) or T-shirt (R200) in support of Danielle’s cause. Order by email at bethereasontoday@gmail.com or visit her Facebook page (Be the Reason). Items can be couriered.
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