I struggle with asking for help. I just want to do everything on my own. But right now I’m asking help for a friend. After knowing Joan Young online for several years as the “Bug Lady” in South Africa I took her up on an offer to show me around. We spent two weeks of my month traveling in 2010 when I fell in love with her amazing country. Returned in 2013 and ‘14 for longer stays.
Joan is retired and volunteers at South African National Parks presenting environmental education programs about the biodiversity found in her country. She is also an excellent photographer and documents this diversity on several of her own websites as well as freely sharing it with others. She’s recently been building up an Eco-Center along the coast in Ramsgate.
Tuesday morning I woke up to this Facebook post from her: “Hello Everyone, I have been beaten and robbed at knife point of my laptop, diamond ring, cell phone and a few other things. Because of this, I am unable to contact anyone anymore or do any of my education work. I am using an internet cafe to send this but my pages will not be updated from now on. Due to being on pension, I can never afford a new computer. Thanks for being my friends.”
I immediately contacted a mutual South African friend and was told she’s OK, just sore and in shock. It’s frustrating being so far away and feeling helpless to help. So I went out onto social media and asked people to help my friend by making donations. The outpouring of support has me in tears.
If you’d like to help please make a donation by using the PayPal button below.
The holidays really are about giving. Help me make this the best Christmas for Joan. Thank you.
For Joan the Bug Lady of South Africa