The power of young spirit
SANDTON – A Sandton-based grandmother used a Sandton Chronicle article to teach her grandchildren about the plight of the homeless.
A few weeks ago, a Sandton-based grandmother, Bev Geldenhuys, took her two grandchildren to George Lea Park North and read them an article.
The Sandton Chronicle article, Tough life in the Shadows, outlined the difficult lives that are led by many of the George Lea squatters.
She used the article to educate her grandchildren, seven-year-old Riley and four-year-old Brooklyn Geldenhuys, on the challenges of the homeless. “I read them the article and explained to them that these squatters have to use the river water as a toilet.
“I explained that they live in makeshift homes and suffer tremendously. They could not believe that there were 300 squatters living in there.”
Read: George Lea squatters spark opinions
Unbeknownst to her, Riley had been so impacted by the plight of the homeless that he decided to make a difference. “During this cold time of year, Riley wanted to do something meaningful for the homeless,” explained Geldenhuys.
“He decided to appeal to his school, friends and family to knit blankets for the needy.” She explained that he was not able to get help from his school, but worked with family and friends to knit squares for blankets.
“This has been a huge success so far and the family, including me, have got involved. We have thus far managed to knit three blankets.”
Geldenhuys said they originally planned to knit the blankets as a Mandela Day initiative, but they have now decided not to set a deadline. “We want to continue knitting and making a difference beyond Mandela Day and have no plans on stopping anytime soon.”
Riley said that the aim was to use the community around him to help the homeless and said that his main concerns are the children and the elderly.
Read: A problem bigger than just George Lea
He said, “I am more interested in young children and old people because other people are able to go out and work to support themselves. I went back to the park on 13 July and could not believe how bad their homes look. I also don’t think it is right that Metro removed them [during the raid and forced removals on 9 June].”
Riley explained that once the project has been completed, he is going to hand out the blankets and make sure that the vulnerable babies and elderly are a priority.
Geldenhuys concluded, “A sense of community service in our material world is a great asset in a child so small.”
Read more:
Community outrage at squatter camp in George Lea
