Amanzimtoti youth show their big hearts
We are always open to any form of donation from the public.
A civic-minded youth group donated R5 000 to Operation Bobbi Bear it raised from a garage sale. “During the year, it was extremely difficult for YouthCall911 to raise any funds to hand over to the charity of our choice. Our main fundraiser planned for the year, SpringXplosion, unfortunately could not take place due to restrictions, so we had to think of something else to do,” said Melize du Plessis, 14, who started the organisation
They decided to hold a garage sale to sell items that were stored in her parent’s garage from six years ago when they moved to Amanzimtoti, to see what funds could be collected through this. This included some of her grandmother and great-grandmother’s items. Second-hand clothes that could not be sold due to Covid-19 restrictions were donated to Helpende Hand to assist them and a few used teddy bears were handed over to Amanzimtoti SPCA as toys for the animals.
Some donations were also received from team members and their parents to take the tally up to a generous R5 000, which was handed over to a delighted Eureka Olivier of Bobbi Bear on Monday, 30 November. “YouthCall911 and the team thank everyone for all the contributions and we wish the community and our members a happy and safe Festive Season.”
Melize, who completed Grade 8 at Kuswag Skool this year, started YouthCall911 in 2018. “Since I can remember, I loved helping people and when I decided that I couldn’t do it all on my own, I created the group. I decided that, seeing as we are youth helping the community, it would be a suitable name because when the community needs help, they can contact us and we’ll be there to assist where we can, as fast as we can. I saw all the hurt in the world and I realised that the community needs people who care about everyone, not just a few people here and there.
READ ALSO: Merry Christmas to Amanzimtoti crime fighters
“I need people to realise that even though it seems like all hope in humanity is gone, there are still people who are willing to give to those in need. For instance, as a group, we’ve realised that the disabled don’t want to be treated differently. They want to be treated like one of us, because to them they are normal and we are different.
People must remember that a little love can go a long way, especially in children and old aged homes. These are mostly the people who feel that they are not needed, wanted or loved and therefore, we are here to show them that it is untrue and they are still part of our community and loved for what they have already contributed, or still will, in whatever way.”
The group currently consists of eight teens, but they hope to grow this in the near future. The restrictions this year have curtailed much of their fundraising, but they hope to get a fresh start next year and help as much as they can. People between the ages of eight and 20-year-old who are keen to help the community are invited to join the group, as well as any parents who are welcome to join the outings.
“We are always open to any form of donation from the public, whether it be food, clothes or even old toys. Any donation helps a lot and is distributed between various NGOs, NPOs and those in need. “We, unfortunately, do not support people with drug or alcohol addictions, as we are a youth group and do not get involved in these scenarios.
READ ALSO: Grateful nappy donation received by Khanya Hospice
Our next major fundraising project, if the virus allows, will be our yearly pageant, SpringXplosion, in September. In between we will host ‘worsrolletjie’ stands, maybe on the beach, and we are hoping to do so during the holidays, but our main goal is not fundraising, it is helping the community where we can.”
Join or follow ‘YouthCall911’ on Facebook.
DID YOU KNOW? Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047 The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. (Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
