Working as a full-time journalist over the past eight months has exposed me to hundreds of selfless philanthropists working in and around Benoni.
The time and money organisations such as the Lions and Rotary clubs, Project Feed the Children, ordinary citizens and the like, offer in aid of the less fortunate, is truly humbling and admirable.
Reporting on the work of these people makes you question what you are doing to help the needy.
I have realised my career offers me an opportunity to assist, although not in a hands-on way.
The desire and belief that I can change lives through reporting on people’s plights, even if only in a small way, is very rewarding.
Earlier this year I undertook an article about the 13-year-old double-amputee Brandon Menezes.
The Laerskool Rynfield pupil is in dire need of new prosthetic legs after having his legs amputated at the age of 10, due to a medical condition.
These prosthetics do not come cheap and they are essential in keeping the star athlete and boisterous boy out of a wheelchair.
Lakeside Mall contacted me after an article was commissioned where Hoërskool Brandwag donated money to Brandon toward his new legs.
The mall is now in the process of organising a Survivor Challenge Day to help raise funds for the prosthetic legs.
The event will take place from October 25 to 27, but thus far community interest has been poor.
Maybe the advertisements and articles promoting the cause have not been seen?
Perhaps the tough economic climate hinders people’s ability to engage in “unnecessary” spending?
Whatever the case, if you are able to assist, think about the life you will be changing.
There are millions of people in this country who need financial assistance, but none is more important than the other.
Each person helped is one person less to help.
Help who you can, when you can, the reward is yours, too.
