Marlands couple Miemie (74) and Japie (82) Strydom know that when they climb into bed at night they have tried their best to give people in need, especially children, water.
Every day the pair clean empty water bottles and then, a day before collection, fill them with life-saving water from their borehole.
They started aiding drought-stricken communities about six weeks ago, when they read an article in the GCN about collecting water for those in need.
Japie told the GCN that on Thursday, when we visited, they had sent out a total of 3 100 litres of water.
“Today’s 400 litres – the most we have done at one time – adds up to us having dispatched 3 100 litres,” a happy Japie said.
“We have a borehole and there are children out there without water.
“If every child could just get at least one 2L bottle of water a day to drink then we are helping in some way.”
The couple, who have lived in their home for 55 years, got in touch with Solidariteit Helpende Hand Primrose, who collects the bottled water from them and takes it to Pick n Pay Primrose, where the store distributes it to drought-stricken areas.
Chairman of Solidariteit Helpende Hand Primrose Jenny Araujo commended the Strydom’s on their dedication and hard work.
“We thank Miemie and Japie as they were our first sponsors when the branch opened and they continue their efforts to help distribute water,” Jenny said.
Along with the huge task of cleaning and filling the bottles, Japie still collects empty bottles from a number of places.
He is also still working as a bookkeeper for his daughter Elize and son-in-law Hanno Smit.
Miemie was also involved at the company but took retirement, last year.
She told the GCN she now spends her days (when she is not busy with the water project) looking after her great-grandchild, cleaning the house, sewing and pampering her husband.
They have two children, Marietjie Cronje (45) and Elize Smit (49), and three grandchildren, Yolandi Rogers (30), Hanno Smit (25) and Christoffel Cronje (28).
They also have three great-grandchildren and a set of great-grandchildren twins on the way which Miemie is extremely excited about.
“Our one great granddaughter Marizel Smit (16 months) loves to help Japie and when he packs the bottles of water in the wheelbarrow to move them she always helps and then gets a ride,” Miemie said.
When Japie has any time he spends it working in the garden and looking after the maintenance of the house.
Miemie told the GCN Japie used to be a keen runner and ran for Germiston Callies Harriers for many years.
The Strydoms said they will continue with the project, together with Solidariteit Helpende Hand Primrose, until such time as they are told to stop.
In order to keep the project running effectively they are in need of donations of 2L or bigger bottles.
Bottles can be thrown over the Strydom’s fence into their garden, at 29 Fifth Street, Marlands or call them on 011 828-7524 for more information or to offer assistance.
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