I refer to the article featured in the 19 December 2014 edition of the news, Bedelaar of kulkunstenaar?.
I can understand how people often are weary of the people standing at the robots begging. I can understand the concern that money will go for their addictions and not for the intended purpose of the money. I have been in the same boat often enough; I don’t want my hard-earned money to go for a habit that destroys lives!
I’ve been working with destitute adults since March 2014 at Tower of Life Community Development Centre in town and have gotten to know quite a few of the people who are found at the robots.
I’ve discovered that it is very difficult to stand at a robot and beg, and often they are treated really badly by the people they approach. I’ve discovered that addiction is often a major reason for wanting the money (not always but who can judge when it is really for food or for drugs?).
Tower of Life Community Development Centre has been operational since winter 2013 when we and our partners decided to do more than just talk about the needs of the community. Our partners namely Church of the Nations, The Cradle of Hope, NG Gemeente Krugersdorp-Oos, WoomaNet Radio, The Bethany House Trust, Community Ministries, NG Luipaardsvlei, Rant-en-Dal Gemeenskapskerk and Mogale Upliftment Foundation have been a big blessing as they provide meals for the residents and also have met the destitute with compassion.
With their help we would like to see our community become healthy and safe again.
I would like to suggest that if people feel they would like to assist a destitute person to rather stop off and sponsor a person at Tower of Life Community Centre situated at the corner of Church and Rissik Streets at R10 per night.
This will go towards a safe bed, a meal and a shower instead of a drug habit.
Furthermore I invite anyone to come and visit Tower of Life Community Development Centre and see what we are all about before spending your hard-earned money.
I can assure you that you will have peace of mind in finally being able to give to someone in need without worrying about where it is going.
