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When her friend and colleague, Aileen Blaauw died last year, Vecanda Joos did not only lose a loved one, but she also lost someone who supported all her different charity drives, and motivated her to do even more for her community of Kariega.
Although she was not a parent herself, children had a very special place in Blaauw’s heart, and often when she would give back to the community, she would always prioritise the children. “That’s why I decided to start a school uniform and school bag drive for the kids in Kariega. When the year starts, everyone is always so excited to send their child off to school, but for some parents, it is a nightmare they can’t afford even the basics for the children,” Joos said.
“So, I’ve started a drive in which I collect either R50 from donors, or school things like school bags for the children. Some local shops have been so generous because they also donate quite a few necessities to help make going back to school more exciting for our children,” she added.
So far, Joos has collected 65 school bags and is asking the community to help where they can. “It’s still early in the year, some people are still recovering from all the Christmas spending and times are tough. I understand that not everyone who wants to help is able to,” Joos admitted.
Blaauw and Joos worked together at a hospital in Kariega, and Joos said every Monday morning when she would walk in, Blaauw would often ask her how many people she helped over the weekend, and who was next on her list of people to assist with whatever needs they might have.
“She was a genuinely kind woman, loved children, people and her community. She knew how to have fun and thoroughly enjoy the simple things of life. If she were alive today, I know she would be happy that her name is living on, and is used to help people, especially children,” Joos reminisced.
Apart from her current project, one of Joos’ passion projects is the soup kitchen she runs to help meet the immediate need of food for locals. “It’s obviously not much, but we try to help as many people as we can.”
All the money and donations Joos collects goes to the local schools in her area. “It is easier for me to give the schools because the teachers know their learners, and know who is in need of what and so on. And honestly, it would be difficult for me to give some children and leave out others, I just could not,” the mother of three said.
In future, Joos hopes to grow her soup kitchen and do even more for her community, and her family. “For as long as I live, I want to be of service to others. I’m also doing all these things so my children see the importance of helping others, and giving back. Living a selfish life is very unfulfilling, and I do not want that for my children or anyone I have an influence on,” she concluded.
To get in touch with Joos, or to make a donation contact 074 057 2413.
