Hi everyone, I hope this finds you in good health. I am fundraising for my family in George, South Africa, thank you for your time and consideration, every $1 makes a difference.

My mother has always demonstrated what hard work looks like. Whether it was having me at 16 years old and deciding to go back to school, working full time jobs and studying simultaneously or taking care of and financially providing for my Great Grandmother and Grandmother (among other family members and their kids).

In February 2020 she decided it was time to venture out of the white collar industry she'd been a part of for 27 years and put her business ideas into practice by becoming an entrepreneur. Then the world got hit by a global pandemic forcing well known businesses to stop operating or down size dramatically, while many small business owners and entrepreneurs had to close up shop on their dreams after trying to make ends meet with no light at the end of the tunnel. My mother was one of them.

She tried everything. From reaching out to past contacts, collaborating with independent businesses, taking on various roles to assist others and even sanitizing multiple schools in preparation for kids to return, just to bring in an income. Then her car broke down, making it increasingly difficult to get around, especially since she lives in a small town with limited public transport accessibility.

Before we knew it, a year had passed, Covid-19 and it's damaging effects were still very much a reality. The shock of new variants, South Africa's third lockdown and the Winter season crept in faster than anyone could prepare for. The cost to fix her car far exceeded it's value, so she ended up selling it, for next to nothing. Restrictions were put back in place, forcing my brother to no longer have his temporary employment. As a result, he was evicted from his home along with my three nephews and niece. They moved in with my Mom.

People around the world have witnessed the recent horrific scenes of unrest in South Africa in the form of riots, excessive looting, arsen and even death. Communities and businesses were torched for what seemed to go on forever. While trust, hope and faith in our government system continued to rapidly decrease.
Majority of my family, friends and fellow South Africans were not able to benefit from allocated Covid relief funds, which many aren’t aware, was less than $40 per month in some cases. It doesn't take a scientist to understand that amount is not sufficient, even for survival.

This week my Mother received a ‘termination of contract’ for her rental agreement and has two months to move out. It may have been a long time coming, but I know we can all agree that receiving news like this in writing makes it real, increases anxiety, even panic, among many other emotions. My Mother has gone as far as trying to sell her evening wear and accessories, which she wanted to hand down to my little sister, with not much success. She is in the process of selling the furniture and figuring out other ways to downsize what she has access to in her home.
This is my family's reality. I haven't seen them in almost three years. Yes, I’m thousands of miles away, and as much as we continue to pray and keep our faith, focusing on the promise of God's provision, I have decided that in order to see miracles happen, sustain any hope and try to make a difference I need to share their story.

The amount I aim to raise is $7000. This would not only bring their rent up to date, but allow my Mom to pay for everything that’s still due. The water, electricity and food bills for all nine of them would be covered for a period of three-four months. I believe that during this time both my Mom and brother can continue to focus on finding more suitable permanent employment, even if it’s outside of the town as well as the possibility of a new place to stay with lower monthly expenses. The rest is in God’s hands.

Thank you in advance, for your willingness to share my family’s story.

Being raised by a single mother has shown me the power and importance of family and community coming together for a common goal. I hope that by reading this, you are moved to assist me in helping mine.

Love and Blessings to you and yours,

Roxanne.