Memorial service for homeless man in Rivieria
Meyer (69) was taken from the streets and put in the care of Uncle Ben's Den, a non-profit organisation.
A memorial service for a once-homeless man, Martin Meyer was held at a chapel in Annie Botha Avenue in Rivieria on Thursday, 29 April.
Meyer (69) was taken off the streets and put in the care of Uncle Ben’s Den, a non-profit organisation.
Uncle Ben’s Den is a shelter that homes more than 150 people.
He passed away on Friday, 23 April, after fighting cancer.
Ruth Jacobs, founder of People Do Care and volunteers were busy serving food for the needy in Pretoria North when they were informed that Meyer had been attacked by unknown assailants.
“Martin was robbed of his ID. That is when we phoned Uncle Ben’s Den for their help with the hope that they will take care of Martin.
“The staff members of the organisation did not hesitate to take Martin in their care,” she said.
Owner of Uncle Ben’s Den Ronel van Dyk said that Meyer had only been in their care for a day when he was admitted to hospital.
Meyer has been living on the streets for more than 10 years.
“We gave him back his dignity, bathed him, shaved him and got him an ambulance to take him to hospital,” she said.
“We could not open a case at the police as Martin was in the hospital and was not able to give a statement to the police. He died soon after.
“I would like to thank the staff members of the hospital who took good care of Martin just before his passing and everyone involved in his funeral arrangements.
“We got phone calls from community members who offered their help wherever they could.
“Once again, I realised how much the community care for the needy.
“Most people only knew Martin as a homeless man from the streets, but despite the fact that they did not know him personally, we were able to arrange a memorial service,” she said.
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