GMA: Helping Grandparents help their Grandchildren

GOOD MORNING ANGELS FESTIVE EDITION 10 DECEMBER 2015 (GRANDPARENTS/RENNIES&AVIS) 

Helping two grand parents on pension make Christmas and the New Year special for their foster children

REQUEST FROM: Uncle

REQUEST FOR: Grandparents and two grand children from the East Rand

ANGEL: Anthony Greene, FD of Rennies Travel along with Avis Rent-a-car, our fabulous Festive Edition Sponsors

SPONSORING:  Avis and Rennies would like to take some of the financial burden off this family by sponsoring them with: R2000,00 grocery vouchers for six months and R8000,00 in cash for new clothes for the children, living expenses and some Christmas treats. 

BACKGROUND: We all know the harsh reality of pensioners in South Africa: State pensions just do not cover all living expenses and when pensioners have to care for and look after their grandchildren, as is so often the case, the state pension falls way short. This is just one such a family. The grandparents got custody of their two grandchildren - now teenagers - after their mother died. They never knew the extent of the children's ordeal and abuse, until they were taken for therapy. There was no hesitation with these grandparents: they took custody of their then seven and five year old grandchildren. Now, five years later they are both on pension and the realities of raising teens are becoming very harsh. But, they never complain and provide as best they can ... with love, patients and understanding as only a grandparent can. 

ORIGINAL REQUEST:

Hi Angles,

I know of two elderly people who have been given custody of their two grandchildren: now 14 and 12-years old. Some five years ago, the children went through a very bad ordeal - unimaginable to say the least.  

The children’s mom also died a few years ago. i The grandparents went through the court process and were declared their legal guardians.  

Now, both grandparents are on pension and trying everything imaginable to provide for themselves and the children. Their State Pension is the only income they receive.

This is a big financial burden, but they never complain and try their utmost to provide with what they have.Unfortunately, the money they get from a state pension is barely enough to cover the water and lights and to buy food. They have a very old car that gets them from point A to B and this needs continued attention, just like everything else they own. My wish is for them to just get a break in life and not having to worry for once about the water and lights payment, groceries or petrol.

The children, like the grandparents, would appreciate some new clothes, shoes and underwear.

This is all they really need, just to let them feel whole again, and appreciated.

Is there anything you can do to help? 

Kind Regards,     

Their uncle

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