Working as one to make a difference
“I make masks for the people who are in need."
Anet Roux from Alewynspoort turned making masks and distributing food parcels into a family affair. She said her 13-year-old daughter suffers from chest and heart disease and making masks is close to her heart.
“I make masks for people who are in dire need and wake up at three in the morning to start working.”
Her masks contain three layers of cotton, which is poly-cotton, linen, and filter. The masks also have a band which you can tie over your head for a comfortable fit. As a family, they have managed to make more than 300 masks.
“I told myself I am not going to stop making masks and I also vowed that I will never make masks which is not good quality because I believe people’s lives matter,” she said.
Initially she was giving the masks away for free, but since she had to buy more fabric to keep up with the demand she is now selling her masks for R25 each.
“People also need to understand my purpose was only to provide masks for the needy. I am not trying to profit in any way, but make more for the people. “We also started to hand out food parcels. We had a generous donation from the Alewynspoort community and managed to purchase food and distribute it in our area.
“Through this we support 40 people every second week and it is still ongoing. When we first delivered and even now, we see tears of desperation turning into tears of joy. “We asked around to identify people in need and we just arrive at their doorstep,” she said.
“We need to help each other. If every person can just care for his neighbour and those in their area and pay it forward and reach out to those in need we can make a difference,” she said.
She thanks her husband and children who have been very supportive of what she has started to protect other people’s lives.
“My family has been so helpful and that kept me going. I understand some of the people spent some of their time at home playing games, but we, as a family, spend our time working.”
“If you have a warm plate of food and a warm bed to sleep, remember there are those hungry and cold.”
Anet Roux can be reached at 071 869 7113.
