Freshpick

We're Giving Back

 We requested emails about someone going through a very tough time & the following Email from Vannessa was chosen:

I would like to tell you about my cleaning lady, Victoria.  She has been working for me for over 10 years now with a break in the middle of a few years.  About 6 or so years ago she was diagnosed as being HIV positive and then she developed full blown AIDS.  She became extremely ill and had to stop working.  When I visited her in her rooms in Greenpoint she looked terrible, totally wasted away.  I took her some food and some money to get her to East London as she wished to return to her family.  I thought that was the last time I would ever see her.  I then went through some tough times myself, having a daughter with a syndrome and then losing her to an illness.  Shortly after my daughter died Victoria contacted me to say that she was well again.  I could not believe it!  I met up with her to sign some disability grant forms she needed and could not believe the difference.  Her face was extremely thin and her skin had gone very dark but she was looking so much better.   Because my nanny who had been cleaning house and looking after my daughter decided she could no longer work for us as it was too difficult for her, I needed someone to clean house again.  Victoria came back to me on a part time basis and is now well enough to work for me 3 days a week.  A while ago they retested her for HIV and could see no sign of it anymore!!  Miracles indeed!!  

But unfortunately about 2 years ago her sister died, also of AIDS, and left 3 small children.  They were staying with Victoria's mother in East London but last year her mom became ill and could no longer take care of them.  Victoria has 2 children of her own who live with her and now her sister's 3 children have also come to stay with her.  So she has to support 5 kids on a maid's salary.  They live in a shack in Khayalitsha and at the moment are freezing cold in this weather.  I try and help her out as much as possible.  I pay her a good salary and often give her extra food to take home.  I am going to give her some money to buy a paraffin heater (no electricity).  

It would be such a treat for them to have a photo session done of all the kids but an even bigger treat to get a nice food hamper.  I know stories like this are a dime a dozen in our country but this one is really close to my heart and I feel bad every time I go to bed in my nice warm house and think of them freezing in their shack.

Regards
Vannessa

Etienne Jvr from GiG is sponsoring a photo shoot for Victoria & her family - Thank you Etienne & GiG

Victoria & her family will also receive a food hamper sponsored by The Baby Room