Dear friends, family, and kind strangers,

My name is Stanley Barnes. For nearly 28 years, I dedicated my life to education. As a teacher, mentor, counsellor, leader, and manager, I poured myself into the lives of thousands of students, believing deeply in service, growth, and hope. I never imagined that I would one day find myself writing a letter like this.

After a long and private battle with mental illness, my career in education came to an abrupt end following a suicide attempt and later a severe mental breakdown in 2024. It was a devastating chapter for me and, more painfully, for my family. My wife, Elbé, and our four sons - Raymond, Julian, Joshua, and Gordon - have stood by me with extraordinary courage. But the emotional toll has been matched by a profound financial strain.

I have been out of work for almost 18 months. In our province in South Africa, unemployment sits at approximately 42.5%, the highest in the country. At my age, and given both the political and economic realities we face, finding stable employment has proven exceedingly difficult. We are fighting to remain in our home and to give our children a sense of continuity and dignity during this time of uncertainty.

This appeal is not written lightly. It is written with humility and hope.

Financial assistance would help us cover essential living expenses, settle urgent bills, and ensure that our children’s education and stability are protected while I continue working toward recovery and rebuilding our future. Every measure of support - whether financial or simply the opportunity to be considered for potential work - brings light into what has been a very dark season.

I have spent my life helping others stand. Today, I ask for help so that I may stand again - for my family, for my health, and for the future we are striving to rebuild.

Thank you for your consideration and compassion.

With gratitude,

Stanley Barnes

Hi everyone, my name is Chris Miller. I'm the one who created this GoFundMe campaign on Mr. Barnes' behalf. My friend Stanley Rayond Barnes has recently gone through an incredibly difficult period. After losing his job, he has been struggling financially and emotionally. Recently, he reached a very low point and attempted to take his own life. Thankfully, he survived, and he is now working toward recovery and stability.

Right now, he is trying to rebuild his life and focus on healing. Unfortunately, the loss of income has left him behind on basic living expenses while he searches for work and gets the support he needs.

Any help, no matter the amount, will make a real difference during this difficult time.

Even small donations help:

$10 helps cover groceries

$25 helps with transportation while job searching

$50 helps cover utilities

If you cannot donate, sharing this campaign would also mean a lot.

Thank you for helping someone get back on their feet.