LottoStar and Kfm’s #WeAreFamily kickstarted today and as promised, we were able to help five struggling families with a share of the half million rand to go towards their financial needs during the lockdown. We are here for you and like today’s recipients, we would like to hear your story and assist you over these two weeks because #WeAreFamily.

Recipient 1, Devon Petersen

Devon shared his story with Kfm and is one of the recipients of R10 000. Devon works at a high school as one of the support staff members, the income he receives from this is just enough to cover his rent, each month. Devon and his wife have a two-year-old daughter, he cannot work during the lockdown and has no income to pay for their rent and essentials for his daughter. The lockdown has really left Devon’s family and in dire straits.

Recipient 2, Gerome Hendriks

Gerome was nominated by his wife Charlene Hendriks and will receive R10 000. Five Years ago, Gerome left his job to serve various communities in Mitchells Plain. He transports pensioners to and from their hospital appointments in Mitchells Plain, from as early as 4 am. In addition, Gerome and Charlene provide underprivilege school children with breakfast and during the lockdown, Gerome still transports pensioners to and from their hospital appointments, free of charge. He also assists pensioners by driving them to and from the shops to do their grocery shopping. After assisting the elderly, Gerome returns home and hands out up to 100 loaves of bread to members of his community. He buys the bread with money he receives form donations and sponsors. Gerome loves serving the community and helping as many people as he can.

Recipient 3, Dorothy Minnaar

Dorothy was nominated by her son, JP Minnaar, and will receive R10 000. Due to the lockdown, Dorothy and her son cannot work and are receiving very little income. Dorothy has to support herself and her son during this time with little to no income which has been extremely difficult. In addition, Dorothy supports her mother and her younger sister financially as they too are living off very little income. JP and his sister try to support their family financially, but his sister is not receiving an income during this time, either as she is a tennis coach, therefore the R10 000 will go a long way in supporting this family during this trying time.

Recipient 4, Colleen Arendse

Colleen is unemployed and single parent to two children; her daughter is currently in matric and her son works at a Spar in Belhar. At the moment, her son, Chad is the breadwinner in the family, Colleen had occasional jobs such as running errands for various people to earn an income. The family is in desperate need of financial assistance. Thanks to Elizabeth De Beer’s nomination, Colleen and her family will receive R10 000.

Recipient 5, Kelly Ann Lowton

Kelly Ann and her family have been struggling financially for the past five years. Kelly suffers from a chronic disease called Lupus SLE and from the moment she was diagnosed, her family have supported her through it all. Her illness has made it difficult for her to work, therefore, her family provide for her and support her financially. Kelly has twin boys and a daughter, who remained positive and excel in school despite their circumstances. However, the lockdown has weighed heavily on her family and has left them in dire straits. Kelly Ann’s husband is unable to complete his law enforcement training due to the lockdown and is doing all he can to provide for their family. The family is not able to buy food or pay for their living expenses. Kelly Ann nominated her family and will be receiving R10 000.