ECR listeners graciously reunite Hennie with his family
The East Coast came through for this father in need.
This past Father's Day, one ECR listener called in telling us that all he wanted was to visit his family.
Hennie Schnetler, 56, from Newcastle hasn't seen his daughter and grandkids in over a year. After calling in telling us about his situation, the ECR family came through for him.
Listen to how Hennie got in touch and how Charl Lingenfelder from Citybug came through to help:
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"From one dad to another, this situation is truly heartbreaking," shares J Sbu.
Just when we thought that Hennie was sorted, ECR listener Adam McIntire came through with a free dinner voucher for Hennie to have a meal with his family. How special!
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Here's more about Hennie's story:
I used to be a depot manager involved in transport but the pandemic made things difficult and now I'm a truck driver. I work only 3 days a week, minimum of 76 hours a week. I get paid hourly, which means, no work, no pay.
My youngest daughter, Aimee stays in the same village as myself, called Ingagane, just outside of Newcastle. She has 2 sons, 5 years and 4 months old. I see them almost daily, which is great.
My eldest daughter, Juanita stays in Nelspruit. She has 2 children, a son 13 and a daughter, who turned 11 now the past Monday. Her nickname is Krokodil.
Aimee got married last year and Juanita and krokodil were present there. Unfortunately my grandson wasn't there. So I saw my 2 girls almost 18 months ago but my grandson more than 2 years ago.
I'm over the moon, about the sponsorship of the trip and the dinner that has been arranged. I really and truly did not expect to receive such a wonderful surprise for just airing my sincere wish for father's day. I really looking forward to seeing the whole family and to spend some quality time with them that weekend, just like the old days. The grandkids are getting bigger and I'm missing out on it, which is heart breaking. My daughter is super excited that this is going to happen.I don't have enough words to thank the drive team of Stacey, J Sbu and everyone in the background that has managed to arrange this great surprise for me.
Hennie added: "To the sponsors, I just want to say, thanks a million guys. I really and truly appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.
"May you all be blessed in abundance for this generous deed. You are all angels in my eyes."
UPDATE: One year on from the special Comrades proposal
We hope that Hennie's story can inspire the gift of giving and kindness in others.
We wish Hennie safe travel on his much anticipated journey.
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