A Helping Hand For Unsung Heroes

Response to the XPRESS article The Unsung Heroes (page 10, May 3) proved that not everyone in this city is caught up in the mindless steeplechase for money and a comfortable life.

There are generous and benevolent citizens in the city who would pause to think beyond themselves, who would readily come forward to give a leg-up to the less fortunate among us.

Moved by the plight of the four labourers featured were three residents who came forward with financial help and even a job offer for one of them. All three requested anonymity.

One of them was a South African media executive who took time out on her day off and drove to three of the four workers and offered them an undisclosed amount of cash. She also offered to help the fourth worker who could not be traced.

She said, “The article brought tears to my eyes and made me realise not only how minuscule most of my problems are but how fortunate I am to be blessed with so many great things compared to others.

“I cannot comprehend what it must be like to live the lives that they do. In addition to working and living under these conditions, they are carrying the burdens of many family members living back home and trying their best to not only support them financially but live apart from them too.

“Some of them watch their children grow up by photograph. I know my financial contribution will not erase their problems or change their day-to-day life, but I hope it brings some help and happiness into their lives even if it is just for a short period of time.

“It’s not only about how much one gives but making them feel that they are not alone in their life struggle, that there are people out there who care about them and want to try help out.”

On receiving the unexpected gifts the workers were overcome with emotion and thanked her profusely, one of them with tears in his eyes.

All three beneficiaries said they would send the money home to their families.

Another benefactor, a British businessman, offered to hire one of the labourers.

“The guy who works so hard for such long hours and shows so much initiative deserves better. I need someone who can show some initiative and [will] certainly pay him a sensible wage. I think it was a brilliant article. I was very moved and thought I could help one of the guys by hiring him.”

When a retired Swiss national read the article he couldn’t help calling XPRESS with an offer to help the labourers with an unspecified amount of cash.

“It was good to know that the guy working for the municipality had a two-day weekend. The municipality is leading by example. But how can you work for 18 hours a day as a cook without damaging yourself?

“It is absolutely irresponsible on the part of his employer.

“I wonder if it is allowed under the Labour Law.

“Only when it is published in the newspaper will anything be done about it.”