Co-founder of Edenvale Lions Basketball Academy (ELBA) coach Edson Makavan thanked two Edenvale businesses for coming to the assistance of its members.
Makavan told the NEWS, Catwalk Salon and Tukta Pure Heart Thai Spa came to the table when Edson approached the community asking for help to help feed some of the members of the academy.
“A few weeks ago, I noticed some of the players not attending practice as frequently. “I knew one of the players quite well and knew he was as dedicated to the sport and wasn’t lazy, so I became concerned and asked what was bothering him.”
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What Makavan learnt disturbed him. He said the player’s father had lost his job during lockdown. With the father being the main breadwinner of the family, they started suffering financially.
“The player said although he wanted to, he did not have enough energy to train or practise or even get out of bed. “When I learnt what was going on in not only his life but other players’ lives, I was heartbroken. “I have lived that life and I don’t want anyone to have to live that life or have to go through what I did,” said Makavan.
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Soon after speaking to the players Makavan spoke to some of his friends, which he described as very helpful. “The one business owner gave me her business credit card with a spending limit and told me to purchase a variety of food items for those in need, while another filled a bakkie with various groceries and delivered it where it was needed.”
“To have people like that in Edenvale and the community is amazing. It is what makes the community amazing and one of the reasons I love the town.”
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