When her friend and colleague, Aileen Blaauw died last year, Vecanda Joos did not only lose a loved one, but she also lost someone who supported all her different charity drives, and motivated her to do even more for her community of Kariega. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although she was not a parent herself, children had a very special place in Blaauw\u2019s heart, and often when she would give back to the community, she would always prioritise the children. \u201cThat\u2019s why I decided to start a school uniform and school bag drive for the kids in Kariega. When the year starts, everyone is always so excited to send their child off to school, but for some parents, it is a nightmare they can\u2019t afford even the basics for the children,\u201d Joos said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo, I\u2019ve started a drive in which I collect either R50 from donors, or school things like school bags for the children. Some local shops have been so generous because they also donate quite a few necessities to help make going back to school more exciting for our children,\u201d she added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So far, Joos has collected 65 school bags and is asking the community to help where they can. \u201cIt\u2019s still early in the year, some people are still recovering from all the Christmas spending and times are tough. I understand that not everyone who wants to help is able to,\u201d Joos admitted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blaauw and Joos worked together at a hospital in Kariega, and Joos said every Monday morning when she would walk in, Blaauw would often ask her how many people she helped over the weekend, and who was next on her list of people to assist with whatever needs they might have. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe was a genuinely kind woman, loved children, people and her community. She knew how to have fun and thoroughly enjoy the simple things of life. If she were alive today, I know she would be happy that her name is living on, and is used to help people, especially children,\u201d Joos reminisced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apart from her current project, one of Joos\u2019 passion projects is the soup kitchen she runs to help meet the immediate need of food for locals. \u201cIt\u2019s obviously not much, but we try to help as many people as we can.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All the money and donations Joos collects goes to the local schools in her area. \u201cIt is easier for me to give the schools because the teachers know their learners, and know who is in need of what and so on. And honestly, it would be difficult for me to give some children and leave out others, I just could not,\u201d the mother of three said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In future, Joos hopes to grow her soup kitchen and do even more for her community, and her family. \u201cFor as long as I live, I want to be of service to others. I\u2019m also doing all these things so my children see the importance of helping others, and giving back. Living a selfish life is very unfulfilling, and I do not want that for my children or anyone I have an influence on,\u201d she concluded. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To get in touch with Joos, or to make a donation contact 074 057 2413.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When her friend and colleague, Aileen Blaauw died last year, Vecanda Joos did not only lose a loved one, but she also lost someone who supported all her different charity drives, and motivated her to do even more for her community of 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