Teens give back to raise hope

Jeanna Bisset and Geneviève Verster are two youngsters doing their part to make a significant impact in their community after they handed over donations on August 2.

Bisset is a Grade 10 learner at Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria and Verster is in Grade 11 at Rietvlei Hoërskool.

The duo began planning their initiative to collect as much food, blankets and pre-loved clothes as possible two months ago.

Their campaign, called Hope for Africa, supported NGO Angels Among Us (AAU), not only with the donation drive, but also with fundraising to support the work that they do.

“Sanmarie Lamprecht [AAU founder] looks after 103 families, she is the true Hero,” said Verster, who is the reigning Miss Junior South Africa.

“When we started to collect we had no idea that it would grow this big!

“We decided to support AAU as we could see there is a really big need in this community.”
The drive initially was intended to bring in donations of food, but soon expanded.

“There were so many people asking if they could donate pre-loved clothes and blankets that we then also decided to take that,” said Verster.

“I think we received over 80 bags of clothing which is amazing!”

They also collected second-hand school shoes.

“My motto has always been you are never too young or too old to make a difference.”

Lamprecht said the donations would be enough for numerous families, while food that was donated would also assist the organisation.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she said.

“Anyone can make a difference if you put your mind to it,” said Bisset, reigning Miss Queen of Africa.

She said after initial posts to social media, the project received an overwhelming response.

“We initially thought of only donating food, but there were so many people asking if they could donate pre-loved clothes and blankets that we then also decided to take that.”

“In the end, people are dependent on people,” said Bisset.

“I feel that your community is your extended family, and family help each other.”

The pair thanked the community who made the project possible.

“To give is to love – This is not the end, only the beginning!” they said.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram