The De Lange family were overwhelmed with mixed emotions after they received a welcome helping hand recently.
“It felt like Christmas morning,” a clearly overwhelmed Ryno de Lange said, as the donations were carried in to their home. “We are so grateful for everyone’s contribution. I can now go to work with the comforting thought that my children will not be hungry.
These donations will relieve some of our worries and stress about where the next plate of food will be coming from,” he said.
Read the initial article here: Family faces a life on the streets
Adéle Kruger from Solidariteit Helpende Hand read the family’s story in the Record and immediately contacted the paper to enquire if there was anything they could do to help. “When I read the story, I knew that this was a family we would be able to help, as this forms part of what we do. We have so much respect for Ryno and the way he tries to ensure there is support for his family. These are the people we love to help, the ones who actually work and don’t just sit back and expect someone to help them,” she said.
Added to the contributions received from the community in support of the Record’s Food Drive, Solidariteit donated toiletries, nappies for the babies, milk, porridge, non-perishable food as well as some treats for the children. Among all the donations were a few boxes filled with clothing and some toys. “Our hearts lie with the children and we will do anything in our power to ensure they are provided for,” Adéle said.
The children were clearly excited and curious to see what they had received, and could not believe their luck when they were allowed to sit on the bed and see what was inside a white bucket.
Ryno and Annemarie were speechless when Adéle informed them that they will also be receiving a washing machine with compliments from Solidariteit. “I am literally covered in goosebumps and very excited, as I will not have to wash the clothes in the basin anymore,” Annemarie said with a big smile.
Adéle added that they need the community’s help and support to keep on doing what they are doing, and said, “We do not always have anything to give to families in need, we were lucky this time around as we still had a surplus from all the Knysna donations. But, if the community would help and assist with donations, we would be able to sustain our efforts,” she said.
Ryno and Annemarie were overwhelmed by the time everyone said goodbye.”We were flabbergasted at how much we received. We could see everyone gave from the heart and we are so grateful. It is unbelievable to see how many people out there still care enough to reach out and lend a helping hand. All we can say is thank you,” they said with tears in their eyes.
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