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Family homes to call their own

Bruce Fraser

Bruce Fraser

Life took a turn for the better yesterday for four families in Ledig, North-West, when they were handed the keys to their new homes.

The families, all affected in some way by the HIV-Aids pandemic rife in the area, were the recipients of the houses thanks to the fund-raising efforts of 21 cyclists who undertook a ride to Cape Town earlier this year.

In March, the cyclists covered a total of 1645km and managed to raise R350000 from their efforts.

Race organiser, Johann Mare said at the handing-over ceremony: "We are trying to help eradicate poverty and uplift the community by assisting families where children are left destitute as a result of Aids. By donating houses, we create a safe place they can call home."

Centre of attraction yesterday was Miss South Africa 2006 Megan Coleman who welcomed the residents to their new homes.

"My heart really is in these initiatives by Sun International and the other sponsors and it is so rewarding to see the gratitude on the faces of those receiving houses for the first time," she said.

"I have been to this area often and every time I am humbled."

One of the recipients of a house, Margaret Maboe, who works as a domestic worker for R800 a month, could hardly contain her emotions.

"Before we received this house we were living in a shack. Now my daughter and grandchild have a proper roof over their heads.

"We are so grateful. Thank you Lord!"

l To view a video of the handing-over ceremony log on to www.sowetan.co.za

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