VIDEO: Pretoria North resident brings ‘sunshine’ into lives of the poor
More than 100 Facebook users helped to make donations to the Sonskyn Heuwel squatter camp.
A resident from Pretoria North’s initiative to help the poor took flight on social media.
Monita Venter, with the help of about 160 Facebook users, went to a squatter camp in the north called Sonskyn Heuwel to reach out with several donations.
About 200 destitute persons were provided with hot dogs, clothes and other necessities on Saturday.
“Five years ago, after the birth of my firstborn, I knew this is what I wanted to do,” said Venter.
“I wanted to do something, make a contribution to people who are really suffering.”
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As a resident of Pretoria North, she said she sees poverty on the streets every day.
“You can’t just look away and ignore it. They are our people and are part of the community.”
She turned to Facebook to ask for donations for the camp.
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“I decided on Sonskyn Heuwel which houses the most poor families and about 30 young children.”
Last Wednesday, she created the Facebook group “Son Heuwel hulp uitreiking”.
After only three days, more than 100 people joined the group promising donations and contributions for Venter’s project.
“I worked almost every night till after midnight to collect all the donations and to repack it.
I never thought this project would grow so fast.”
Venter said with the help of her husband and family all the donations were taken to the camp.
“I wasn’t sure how we were going to feed all of the people and hand over the donations at the same time,” she said.
“But thanks to an angel called Aletta Kruger and her family who didn’t just donate, but also came to help out on Saturday, the day was a huge success.”
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Sonskyn Heuwel residents were also provided with bottled water and treats.
They also received heaps of clothing and toys.
“It was unbelievable. The people were all smiles and full of gratitude – it was priceless,” she said.
“I would like to thank everyone who made a contribution and also the camp manager Hendrik Els for his hospitality and hard work to keep the terrain clean and to provide for residents.”
Venter said she plans to get involved in other similar projects.
“I think the Lord put me on this path. It’s really wonderful to do something for your fellow man.”
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