Meet young West Pack Lifestyle hero Tyrique Roux
Who said to be a hero one needs to be older?
Tyrique Roux (12) of Boksburg Central has been selected as the fourth Advertiser/West Pack Lifestyle Hero of the Month winner.
This youngster has committed all his energy to make a difference in his community.
He received nominations from community members who felt that he needed to be recognised for the work that he does in the community. He has won an R1 000 West Pack voucher for his good deeds.
The Advertiser had a chat with him to find out why he is so invested in putting a smile on the less fortunate.
“My community engagement spirit began in 2020 when I organised a pyjama drive for the less privileged children of Reiger Park and Nigel in honour of my late father, Beron Roux.
“My dad, who worked for the Department of Correctional Services, died in January 2019 after a short illness.”
According to the Lakeside Primary head boy, around the time of his father’s birthday in June 2020, he decided to commemorate the day by doing something special for the community since his father was also a community-driven person.
“With the help of my family, we then got donations from friends and family and handed them to the beneficiaries. The person that I’ve grown to be has been influenced by my father who was a caring person and who always put the needs of others first before his. He created job opportunities for people and would hand out food parcels to the needy.”
Apart from the pyjama drive, Tyrique said he has also organised a beanies and scarves drive, which an NGO called Wayside assisted with to distribute to the disadvantaged people of Nigel.
Furthermore, he has also assisted Miss Boksburg finalist Cyrillique Koopman with her food drive.
“Before Women’s Month ends, I’ll be handing out dignity packs to 10 young women. Not leaving out young men, my mother and I are planning on reaching out to 10 boys where we will give them a goodie pack as a way of making them feel loved and appreciated.
“A lot of communities tend to pay too much attention to girls and not boys, so this initiative will challenge this view.”
Besides his charity activities, he is a gaming fanatic and loves playing basketball and soccer.
Due to his love for maths, he intends on pursuing a career in law or accounting, though his first choice is to be a soccer star.
The 12-year-old shared that he looks up to Dr Imtiaz Sooliman who is the founder of the Gift of the Givers. “I admire his work and he inspires me to continue reaching out to the community.”
A message to his peers
“I urge young people to play their part in supporting each other and helping the needy. Always be grateful that you have everything you need and want but also think of those who are in need. Try and help wherever you can and remain humble.”
Also Read: Nominate your Hero of the Month
Also Read: Nominate your Hero of the Month
