Kariega woman starts school bag drive in honour of her best friend
Inspired by her best friend and nursing colleague’s love for children, a Nelson Mandela Bay woman has started collecting school bags to honour her memory.
Aileen Blaauw, 46, of Kariega, died unexpectedly on January 20 last year, after a short illness.
Her best friend of 18 years, Samantha Augustus, said Caritas Primary School in Kariega had been identified as a school in need, and the bags would be handed to the school.
“Bags have a longer lifespan than shoes and stationery.
“It gives a child a sense of ownership,” Augustus said of the initiative.
“It’s where they can pack their hopes and dreams to create a better future.
“Aileen had a generous heart and with this we are able to honour this awesome person by paying it forward.”
Her colleagues at Orsmond TB Hospital in Kariega, where she worked for 11 of her 21 years as a nurse, said Blaauw had loved nursing and children.
“Aileen was very passionate about education and believed it was the foundation for their future,” colleague Charmelle Rayners said.
Augustus added Blaauw had lived life to the full.
“She had a passion for nursing and beyond for her patients, community, friends and family.
“Aileen was very outspoken but a good listener. She loved children big or small. “All the kids loved auntie Ai. “Her heart always had space for one more child.”
People who wish to donate bags may contact Vecanda Joon on 074-057-2413 or Augustus on 073-885-1269.
The handover will take place at Caritas Primary on what would have been Blaauw’s birthday on Wednesday.
Caritas principal Oswald Barendse said the staff and community were extremely grateful for the gesture.
“Our learners will proudly use these bags in memory of Aileen,” Barendse said.
“May her loving memories endure in the hearts of her family, friends, and colleagues.”