Stephanie and Jerome receive a hearty surprise from Darren's Tip Jar

Carol Ofori & Vic Naidoo - Stephanie & Jerome

Stephanie, a young mum of two, recently gave birth to a baby girl. She is just 12 days old and due to the Level 4 lockdown, she has been unable to work. She has been under tremendous stress from the first lockdown and still trying to get on top of payments and loans she has had to take out to survive.  

Now, she finds herself at home with no pay. She has gone through such trying times as a new mother and no mother should have to go through this - ever. She hasn't been able to afford medical aid and said any financial help would be such a great help to her and her baby. 

Carol Ofori shared some of Darren's Tip Jar with Stephanie and we all hope that she can find some solace during these tough times. 

Vic Naidoo shared some emotional tears on-air this afternoon as he spoke to Jerome who has been working in the hospitality industry for 15 years. Jerome shared that he and his wife have both been in the industry for a long time and things have not been easy for them - at all.

He found himself taking whatever work he could get but now has no income whatsoever. He gets calls from debt collectors and he and his family are still in mourning after losing his mother 6 months ago from COVID-19. 

He has a 4-year-old daughter and is struggling to make ends meet.  

So this money has truly been a blessing for him and he shared such a sentimental moment on-air, sharing his story with us. We hope that they can find some hope during these times. 

Darren Keri Sky- Samantha & Donavin

How unfortunate it should be to be an artist who lives on bookings for events or a BnB owner who had to pause their services as a result of the level 4 lockdown in our country. When it was announced that we would be returning to a semi-state of 2020's level 5 lockdown, most people in the entertainment and hospitality industry saw their lives thrust into uncertainty again. 

This morning we had the chance to surprise Samantha, who is a bar owner and manager. Her friend, Quentin, shared that she has been out of work for the past few months because of the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on the country's economic and social activity. 

READ MORE: DKS Highlights of the Week: Darren celebrates 10 years of radio!

Samantha has been with Barcode from the beginning, when they took over the Queensburgh sports association club between herself, Beth and Paul (owners of Barcode). She has washed floors, cleaned toilets, made food, been a waitress, and still maintained her composure to run the bar.

When they closed for the first hard lockdown and then were only allowed to sell cold drinks and non-alcoholic drinks, Samantha stepped up and did her thing, all for R100/day. When they were able to open again fully, Samantha trained the new staff, cleaned as before, and did this all with a smile because she believed it the right thing to do. Now that they are closed again due to level 4 restrictions, Samantha has had to look to other avenues to keep going. All legal of course, but few and far between.

READ MORE: After losing their home, The Big Favour helps this family get on their feet

We also reached out to Donavin Seagreen who is a musician. He was nominated by his friend Warren. 

Donavin is not only a musician that makes his living by performing at various restaurants/pubs throughout Durban and surrounding areas, but he also assists with placing other artists at these venues. 

Since the start of COVID-19, being a musician whose income comes from restaurants and pubs, with the multiple closures of these businesses, and restricted trading times, he has been greatly affected in terms of finances and those of other artists that he assists in placing. 

Through it all, Donavin has tried to remain upbeat, performing on Facebook, trying to keep some sort of livelihood to support his family.

Take a listen to how that went down on the show: 

More of these moments will occur for the rest of the day on Carol, Vic, and Stacey and JSbu's shows. 

It is the best way for Darren to say to the people in the entertainment industry, which he is in, that he sees them and he acknowledges and understands what and how it feels to live your passion and truth as an artist. 

READ MORE: Darren's Tip Jar - proudly supported by Lottoland

He also supports the hospitality industry. You know he enjoys restaurant-hopping with his Anna Banana, therefore he had to pay homage to the establishments that make date nights and days possible. 

Stick around for the next two weeks as we celebrate #DarrensDecade and he makes lives easier. Thanks to Lottoland South Africa for making it all possible.