San van Wyk – an angel with a bakkie instead of wings
San van Zyl hands out food parcels every Thursday morning at the Geduld Spar parking lot.
San van Wyk has been doing charity work in Springs for 21 years. In the past five years, she has been helping the community members of Geduld.
“I used to bring the car guards some bread and cake. When the homeless people saw me do this, they approached me and asked me to help them too. That’s where I started and I have been doing this ever since, “
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. The recipients of her generous help, who receive bread, fruit and cake every Thursday, have voiced their gratitude for her charitable work.
“We are eternally grateful. Now my children will eat today when they come back from school,” said a gentleman after he had received his food parcel.
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“I am originally from Limpopo and I haven’t seen my family in years. It breaks my heart to know they don’t know if I am okay or not. With this food in my stomach, they can rest assured that I am well,” said Cohen Malesa.
“San has helped us in ways we can’t believe. Even as times get tough, I know every Thursday she will be here,” said car guard Thembinkosi Mbonani.
She does all she can, but she feels it is not enough.
“It is terrible here in Geduld. Someone will call and ask me for help. Money doesn’t help these people because some of them are addicted to drugs and alcohol. But they are hungry. I can at least help to feed them,” laments San.
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San asks for businesses that have a heart for charity to help her with donations. They are in constant need of clothing, shoes and food. Cash donations are also accepted.
“We need help any way we can,” says San.
She also touched on the Christmas initiatives she is planning for the less fortunate.
“I want to give them toiletry packs with facecloths, toothbrushes and toothpaste and some sweets for Christmas. If anyone can help with that, it would be amazing,”
Anyone who wishes to get in touch with San to donate or to volunteer contact 072 393 1576.
