Pineslopes café owner pleads for the return of stolen ducky decoration
Pineslopes café owner's heart is quacking with worry. Marina Appelbaum's cherished decorative duck has gone missing and she's offering a reward for its safe return.
Marina Appelbaum, owner of Old Ducky French Café in Pineslopes, is no stranger to kindness and generosity.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she introduced an initiative to provide free sandwiches to delivery drivers who were dropping off food to customers while often going hungry themselves.
This selfless act not only warmed hearts but also garnered significant media attention.
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“I still do it to date,” Appelbaum said. “And even expanded it to the security guards at the shopping centres, and the occasional homeless guy. We have these huge Tupperware boxes full of fresh made sandwiches every morning… It is just my way of giving back to those drivers who drop off our food when they don’t have food in their own bellies.”
Appelbaum’s commitment to giving back to the community hasn’t wavered, however, she’s now facing a different challenge – one that may seem trivial to some, but holds great sentimental value to her.
A beloved decorative duck from her private collection has gone missing, and she’s willing to pay R1 000 for its safe return. It is a ducking disaster.
The red duck, adorned with a distinctive racing stripe, was part of a display outside the café, showcasing the restaurant’s awards, including the Best of Joburg Reader’s Choice award.
“The duck, which is red in colour, was from my private collection. It is large, with a red racing stripe on it. It is part of a six duck family that consisted of large ducks,” Appelbaum recalled.
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It vanished on January 12, and despite a social media campaign that has reached thousands of people who are also hoping for its return, there’s been no sign of the missing duck.
“We have reached over 30 000 people and still no sign of our red racing ducky. The community has been amazing in sharing, and every day they ask about him. No leads.”
Appelbaum is determined to recover her cherished decoration, which holds a special place in her heart.
“I thought that a cash reward of R1 000 is better than a free meal. I want my ducky back. The red duck is part of our ducky family.”
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