Gen gives to others in need
Despite having to close her coffee shop due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the Pinetown resident still serves food to needy families.
A ROOF over her head, a warm bed to sleep in and a plate of food to eat have all motivated Genevieve Liebenberg to go the extra mile to help those in need.
Known as Gen to many, the Pinetown resident continues to provide meals for families in need despite having to close her coffee shop due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Liebenberg started her charity, Starfish Effect, in 2014. According to Liebenberg, the name of the charity was inspired by the story of the single starfish making a difference.
“I do not have much, but I do consider myself more blessed than most people. This is the reason I love sharing with the people who have nothing. Making a difference, even if it is just for one person, fulfils me,” said the caring mother of two who runs her charity from home.
Liebenberg, who follows the work of several charity organisations on social media, said she finds out about the people she helps through word of mouth.
With so many people facing numerous challenges, Liebenberg also plays a feeder to many NPOs by donating items she doesn’t need to others.
“I share the items that are donated to me – it always depends on who needs what and when. The items vary – they could be nappies, formula, clothes or food.”
She said her biggest wish is to win the Lotto so that she can share her fortune with the less privileged.
Story of the starfish making a difference.
One day, a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy hurriedly picking up and gently throwing things into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “Young man, what are you doing?” The boy replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean …” The man said, “But there are too many starfish here. You will never save them all.” Smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference to that one.”
Moral of the story: Everyone can make a difference, even if that difference affects one person.
*Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
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At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.
