THERE is no stopping the altruistic efforts of uMhlanga Ridge resident, Michelle Currie. For the last 12 years the 17-year-old has been rallying donor support for Zulusponsor, an organisation based in Eshowe. The non-profit organisation aims to help people affected by the HIV/Aids pandemic, especially orphans and vulnerable children.
Despite dwindling donor support, she returned to the community in the July holidays to present them with a collection of winter clothes. More than 100 beautifully knitted beanies, scarves, baby jumpers, jackets, and blankets were knitted and donated by the Northlands Women’s Institute.
“I wanted to get them warm for the winter months. Many of the people there have almost nothing. I spend so much time e-mailing companies inquiring about donor support, but few ever come back to me. But I am determined to keep going,” she said.
She said her biggest motivator was hearing about the success stories within the community, and how many of the young people who had improved their own lives had returned to the community to ‘pay it forward’.
“One of the young adults came up to me and thanked me for all that I have done. He had been inspired to stay positive and to aspire to do something great, just by receiving something as simple as a soccer ball – something he had never had before. He is now pursuing his masters degree,” she said, proudly.
“Others have been volunteering in the community to tutor the teens, while Given Luscombe, who is busy with his honours in environmental science has started a vegetable garden in the community. This has given me hope to carry on with my work,” added Currie.
There are also people studying nursing, applied chemistry, accounting, education and even engineering.
“Our generation is the future. We have to help out in any way we can. If we don’t what is our future going to be?” she asked.
- Currie is determined to return to the community with a ‘truck load’ of toys, stationery, clothes, toiletries and non-perishable food. She has appealed to the community for support. Currie and her mother are willing to collect any donations. Contact Esther via e-mail on ecurrie@mweb.co.za.
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