Donations to dedicated father
A 35-YEAR-OLD man from Vrygrond recently received a donation of food, and accommodation within walking distance of the hospital where his daughter has been admitted after walking for three hours a day to visit her.
Fundisani Roro’s 9-year-old daughter Unathi was admitted to Red Cross Memorial Children’s Hospital for surgery. With no money for transport or food, Roro said he opted to walk to the hospital as he said he didn’t want financial issues to prevent him from spending time with his daughter.
He said he would miss the hospital visiting hours at times, until he sought assistance from Langa Community Action Network (CAN), that later facilitated further assistance.
Anelisa Magiligwana from Langa CAN, who saw and shared the post, said she was touched by Roro’s sad and courageous story, and informed her colleagues who contacted the Umbrella Foundation.
The foundation secured accommodation close to Red Cross Hospital and, on Monday, the Langa CAN bought him food to sustain him for two weeks.
The Umbrella Foundation project manager Shannon Coetzer said when they heard about Roro’s story, they could not sit still knowing that a dedicated father was not able to see his ill daughter, and decided to take action.
“Fundisani’s story had broken international waters, as his accommodation was immediately paid for by an anonymous donor from the Netherlands through our foundation. We also made another donation to ensure that Fundisani will have more food while staying next to Unathi’s hospital bed,” said Coetzer.
“This story touched our souls, through the key element of a father wanting to be the best father he could be – but financial issues stood in the way. Money should never stop a parent from being a parent. We are so glad we could not only assist Fundisani with being able to support his daughter, but that we could give Unathi her dad when she needs him the most.”
Roro said he was blessed to have people who cared.
“I appreciate the assistance and the prayers I have received not only from friends, but also strangers that went out of their way to assist me since my daughter was admitted in hospital,” he said.