The Big Issue is a cause very close to my heart and the only magazine I support. It costs R18, is published every three weeks, and as you no doubt know, is sold by street vendors who are marginalized and desperate to earn an honest crust. R9 goes to the vendor, so a proffered R20 (the price of a smoothy or a large cappuccino) will put R11 in their pockets. It can be no easy feat manning their street beat come rain or shine, smiling and praying for a sale which might just cover the cost of transport to and from home to the depot and to their pitch. The magazine has grown under the editorship of Melany Bendix, and has many very interesting articles, perfect for reading in your car whilst waiting for your children or over a cup of tea.
The section which interests me the most is the Vendor's Corner, as it inspires me to read such tales of hardship and courage, and of course I am always thrilled to read of those vendors "Ready to Go" who have found some form of permanent employment. SO, imagine my delight when, in the latest edition out on the streets last Friday, I read the story of Cynthia Gogotya, who had dreams of studying to become a social worker but could not afford the UNISA fees. (This after completing her matric after her fortieth birthday.) Readers were so touched by her plight that close to R12 000 poured in to help her fulfill this dream, and Cynthia is overwhelmed with gratitude and ready to continue her studies.
The one source of funding which really caught my attention was the large donation made by the We-Are-Lucky project. It seems that a recipient of a large inheritance has initiated a project to anonymously donate 1000 pounds (or near equivalent) to a worthy stranger, with the proviso that they in turn do something good with the money. Spread the luck and good fortune around it seems, and create opportunities where there were none before. Sounds almost too good to be true? Having looked at the website, and been moved by the tales there, it all seems to be for real, and is happening right here in Cape Town. Congratulations and what a wonderful thing to do! Join it if you can, or simply spread your own brand of kindness around. www.we-are-lucky.com
Not being quite that cash flush, I try to spread a little kindness in my own small way, and only share this as an idea with you, not to shout from the rooftops as some folks do about any good deeds done. May I suggest that you "Adopt-a-Vendor" as we do. There is a most pleasant, but painfully thin young man named Mzikize who sells TBI at a busy intersection I pass on my daily school run. Having bought the magazine from him for many years now, I was somewhat surprized to learn that he is supporting his wife and young child on his meagre earnings. I try, whenever possible, to pack an extra lunch for him to drop off when passing. (This sometimes requires some death defying manouvering by both of us in busy traffic!) It's usually a sandwich and some fruit, a bottle of cold Oros in summer or a hot Cup-o-Soup in a recycled yoghurt container in winter to sustain him during his long days. It fair breaks my heart to see how quickly he sits on the curb and tucks into this meagre offering when I consider all the lunch boxes round the corner whose contents might well be dumped when they arrive home. Come Christmas and we pack a big hamper and wrapped gifts for his family. One year this included pastels and drawing paper, and I was soon proudly shown his artwork which had been published in the magazine. Self esteem at street level. We seldom manage more than a quick greeting, but I hope that the little moral support and sustenance we offer will help him in a harsh world, and that the kindness of strangers will help him through his life and long days on the pitch.
www.bigissue.org.za
I'd be most interested to hear any of your kind stranger stories please? Love to hear more from you!
Love, as always and thanks for taking time to read my blog, kind family, friends and strangers.
Suzy Q
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