A brave teen is gearing up for his dream matric ball thanks to generous Daily Voice readers who have come to his aid.
Luke Smith, 18, made headlines in August after he shared his remarkable story about raising himself and living on just R2500 a month.
Despite losing his mom, Berenice, at seven years of age and later being abandoned by his father, the Grade 12 pupil from Rylands High School is defying the odds.
For most of his life, he was raised by his ouma, Rachel Petersen, 70, but when she died tragically in an accident in November 2018, Luke decided to stay alone in his ouma’s Heideveld house and look after himself using the money he gets from a trust fund.
The slim teen shocked and impressed adults when they heard how he lives according to a strict budget, paying for his own burial policy, electricity, food and school transport.
With the little he has left over, he bakes biscuits which he shares with kids in Heideveld.
HOBBY: Luke’s baked goodies. Picture: Supplied
Shortly after appearing in the Daily Voice, Luke was contacted by a woman who offered to cover the cost of his suit and a dress for his partner for his matric ball.
But when the school moved the date for the event to 29 November, the woman informed them the date no longer suited her and she could not help him anymore.
REMEMBER: With his mother, Berenice. Picture: Supplied
This was when Constable Natasha Landers from Manenberg SAPS stepped in.
After making a few calls, she says Limousine Extreme offered to take the teen to the ball at the CTICC.
“A chef from Heideveld called to say he will make platters, and a couple from Manenberg said they would be doing the draping and the decorations of the house and will provide food for the day,” Natasha says.
The cop says she then got a skrik when someone from Mitchells Plain contacted her to say Luke had been entered into a matric ball competition hosted by Restoring Hope.
Kelly Jacobs, of the community upliftment organisation in Retreat, says: “The lady used the story in the Daily Voice as the motivation and we were so surprised by how despite the loss and grief, he continued to carry on.
INSPIRE: Survives on R2500 each month. Picture: Supplied
“The panel selected Luke as the winner and he will get a suit, shoes, accessories and hair, and the ticket costs will be covered.
“We are unable to cover his partner, but are willing to assist if anyone wants to make donations.”
Luke says he will be taking his friend, Zaigon Safodien, with him.
“Before I wasn’t keen, but now I am excited for the night and I’m happy that my friend can come with me. She just needs a dress and for her hair to be done.”
Anyone who would like to assist can call 082 522 0714 or email restoringhope021@gmail.com
.
monique.duval@inl.co.za