Thank you Newcastle for helping those in need
Newcastle's homeless community have hopes and dreams like everyone else, but their aspirations are a far cry from our often selfish desires.
“I still dream that one day I will be something.”
Newcastle’s homeless community have hopes and dreams like everyone else, but their aspirations are a far cry from our often selfish desires.
They dream of a world where they do not have to worry about hypothermia, a world where warm beds wait for them at night. They dream of a world where regular meals do not come from scrounging as they fall asleep with hunger gnawing at their empty stomachs.
While living under the bridge in Hardwick Street, out of sight from passers-by, these men and women no longer live in society’s shadows. Thanks to the Newcastle community, they now have names and can proudly say they no longer have to walk alone.
Made aware of the plight of the homeless, Newcastillians rallied to drop-off points on Tuesday, June 9, at Newcastle Mall, Pick n Pay at Scott Street Mall, Checkers at Amajuba Mall and at the Newcastle Advertiser offices.
Faizel and Razia Cassim from Northern-Natal Motorsport also joined the initiative to help the homeless by collecting necessities.
Within three days, more than ten bags of clothes were donated, as well as shoes and tinned food.
On Friday morning the Newcastle Advertiser and Newcastle Sun dropped off the items, and the shocked faces of the homeless turned to ones of gratitude and smiles. For the next few days, they would be able to survive.
“Thank you so much, may God bless you,” whispered Bongani, one of the beneficiaries.
As the small group eagerly tried on the warm clothing, we have to ask ourselves how fortunate we are.
Every night we go home to our families, friends, warm beds and hot meals, yet we still find reasons to complain.
A big thanks goes to Beulah Rajkumar from Newcastle Mall, Paul du Plessis from Pick n Pay Scott Street Mall, Vincent Nkosi at Checkers Amajuba Mall for all their support and assistance.
A further thanks goes to community members who contributed, making the initiative a success.
“If you want others to be happy, show compassion. If you want to be happy, show compassion,” said the Dalai Lama.
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