Newcastle makes a teen’s wish come true

A humble post on Facebook resulted in an outpour of generosity no one could have predicted.

Bernice Hurter took to social media on July 13, imploring Newcastle’s ‘angels’ to sponsor her nephew, Jean-Claude de Bruin, an outfit for his Matric farewell on July 24,

Mrs Hurter said Jean-Claude had lived with her and her family for the last five years, and had gone above and beyond to make life easier for them. As a pupil at Amajuba High School, he had responsibilities of his own, but managed to find time to help out where he could.

“In order for us to work, he makes sure the children get to school and back every day. He looks after them and makes sure they do their homework,” she explained.

She said she did not have the finances to give him everything he so rightly deserved, and found it hard to reconcile herself with the fact that he would miss his farewell.

“All families struggle, but this is his final year and a Matric farewell is special. It costs a lot of money, so I just decided to take a chance and ask for help on Facebook.”

Never in a million years did Mrs Hurter expect the reaction she received from residents, ready to open their hearts and wallets for a good cause.

“The response we got from the people was amazing; they just wanted to do something!” she exclaimed. “I suspected I would get a response and maybe someone would help with a shirt or a tie or something like that.”

Jean-Claude was kitted out from head to toe with only the best the community of Newcastle could provide. Everything from aftershave, to shoes and socks, were donated by dozens of residents willing to lend a helping hand.

“We were so overwhelmed. How do you say thank you? I don’t know how many times I’ve thanked these people, but it doesn’t feel like it’s enough,” said an emotional Mrs Hurter.

Jean-Claude said he was unsure about attending the farewell in the beginning, but changed his mind closer to the time.

“I realised most of my friends were going and my date already had the material for her dress, so I decided to give it a shot,” he explained. “It was the last function we were going to have at the school as a group of matriculants.”

Jean-Claude rendered his date speechless when he arrived in a flashy car, looking like the star who stole the show.

“I had a moment where I felt like I was famous. My date was very excited about it, she had no idea the photographer would be there to take photos.”

The youngster said he was shocked by the amount of people who helped make the night of his farewell nothing short of extraordinary.

“My teacher, Hannelie Botha, paid for my ticket. I really appreciate everything the community has done for me. Without them, I wouldn’t have had such an amazing night. I’d like to give a special thanks to my driver, Chris; he was really awesome!”

Mrs Hunter said she was astounded by the fact that people who did not know them from a bar of soap were willing to help.

“If you’re good in life, good comes your way; that’s what I always try and teach my family. Sometimes you have to put your pride in your pocket, and ask yourself what means more – people thinking bad about you for meaning well, or him walking out this door with a smile on his face?” concluded Mrs Hurter.

The family would like to thank Mortimer Toyota for sponsoring Jean-Claude with a vehicle for the evening, as well as Mohamed Seedat from Re/Max Newcastle for his generous contribution.

In addition, they thanked a handful of angels for their heartfelt donations.