Lift club lessens transport burden for elderly

THERE is no telling how far or wide an act of kindness can spread or how the most simplest gesture can have a lasting effect on someone.

Krishen Chetty, a Merebank resident, is one such person who was inspired by the good deeds of someone in Durban to extend a helping hand to the elderly. Everyday, just before making his way to work, he gives free rides to the clinic or hospital to the elderly in need of it.

His initiative began in 2011 when he got his first car, his first benefactor was his friend’s grandmother who would be transported to Merebank clinic or Wentworth hospital when she needed to.

“She told a few of her friends and I would then take them altogether as they always shared the same hospital date and as time went on, I started taking a few people from my road and it carried on since then,” said the humble 28-year-old.

While the drop-offs brings him joy and make him feel closer to his late grandparents, he has had people take advantage of his generosity, but that has not deterred him, instead he laughed it off and said, “It’s all good, God is watching”.

He hopes to soldier on his good deeds for the rest of his life because some seniors really need the help. “They tell me how their very own children have neglected them and that their sons have fancy cars but will only show their faces once they pass away.”

“I know well how it feels to be unemployed and frustrated not knowing where to begin to achieve the dreams that you always had. I always knew that I would be someone someday but the day you enter unemployment is when you realise how hard it is to get a job,” said Krishen who added that he is also guided by the principal of his religion called Sewa.

“I grew up in a tough neighborhood with drugs and gangsterism being almost forced in your face, I too was almost swallowed into that lifestyle, but I’m glad that I now help and always advise the youth in my area. I often spend time with them to try and understand them better as times have changed and the anger they carry is not wise,” said he said.

Krishen has ventured with a local businessman to open an NPO in Merebank which will serve the youngsters in the community to keep them busy and to shy them away from a possible life of crime.

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