GEORGE NEWS - A small act of kindness has brought a considerable amount of joy to an eight-year-old boy from Conville this Christmas.
Local animal welfare organisation Sentiara recently went beyond its usual work with animals to lend a helping hand to some children in need.
During a routine trip to collect a dog for sterilisation, Sentiara staff met the young Deon Koopman, whose quiet courage and generosity left a lasting impression.
"As we always do, we invited Deon to travel with us to the PDSA to have his dog sterilised. We believe it comforts the animals to have their owners nearby, and it helps children understand where their beloved pets are going and that they are safe," said Salomé Bruyns of Sentiara.
It was during that journey that Bruyns noticed Deon's burn scars. "Later, we learnt he had sustained these injuries as a baby during a devastating house fire that nearly cost him his life. Despite the physical scars and the emotional challenges of being teased because of them, Deon carries himself with remarkable gentleness," she said.
When Bruyns asked Deon what he had written in his letter to Santa, his simple answer nearly brought her to tears.
"Dog food." That was all he wanted.
His selflessness moved the Sentiara team, and thanks to some community donations, they were able to make his Christmas wish come true. They collected enough for some dog food and even a little something for Deon himself. "When I asked him what he wanted for himself, his wish was equally humble: Christmas clothes and slippers," Bruyns said.
Sentiara has committed to supporting Deon with monthly dog food for as long as its resources allow. Meanwhile, the organisation is also planning a Christmas party for children in need and is seeking donations of toys, lucky packets and other items.
"There are many children in our communities with very little, yet hearts full of love. Together we can make a difference - one child and one animal at a time," Bruyns said.
Members of the public may contribute financially, donate toys or lucky packets for the Christmas party, or provide items to Sentiara's Thrift for Tails charity shop in Doneraile Square.
Deon and his brother Dondiago at the PDSA with their dog.
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