Johannes the Flower seller
At Together We Bloom, we believe in nurturing not just plants, but also people, fostering growth and resilience within our communities. When we first heard about Johannes’ story on a local radio station, it struck a chord. This station regularly highlights community needs, and Johannes’ heartfelt interview resonated deeply.
Recipient
Johannes
Date
23 March 2024
Catagory
Donations, Health
During the broadcast, Johannes shared his life story, including his dream of owning a “skoro-skoro” car to aid him in sourcing and transporting the flowers he has sold for over 30 years. His dedication and challenges inspired us to take action.
Johannes has been a familiar figure on the Beyers Naudé off-ramp near the N1, where he’s built a loyal customer base. Yet, his recent absence worried his regular patrons, leading them to inquire about his situation. They discovered that Johannes had fallen ill but, as the sole provider for his family, he couldn’t afford to stop working entirely. His family relies heavily on his income: his eldest son has special needs and requires full-time care from Johannes' wife, while his other children have struggled to find employment.
Enter the #GoodMorningAngels initiative, which stepped up to provide financial support for Johannes’ medical and family needs. Inspired by their generosity, Together We Bloom, as an initiative deeply rooted in the horticulture community, felt compelled to contribute in our own way. We decided to fulfill Johannes’ dream of owning a car, a critical tool for his flower business.
Partnering with Barry Harmse from Motus Toyota Bryanston, we identified the perfect vehicle. Not only was the car serviced and roadworthy, but we also ensured it was officially registered in Johannes’ name—a gesture that symbolized hope and new beginnings.
transform a simple dream into a reality
However, our involvement didn’t end there. Recognizing the value of empowering the entire family, we turned our focus to Johannes’ daughter, Zinhle. With her father’s health challenges, having Zinhle equipped to assist with the family business was essential. We supported her through driving lessons, and after much perseverance and practice, Zinhle successfully obtained her driver’s license. This milestone allowed the family to fully embrace the opportunities the car presented, enhancing their flower-selling operations and improving their daily lives.
For Together We Bloom, this story embodies our mission: to be a catalyst for positive change. By aligning the collective goodwill of various community members and organizations, we transformed a simple dream into a reality, helping Johannes and his family bloom in ways they never imagined.
This journey is a reminder that when communities come together, we can sow seeds of hope, growth, and sustainability. Johannes’ resilience, paired with Zinhle’s determination, underscores the profound impact of community support, proving that even small gestures can lead to transformative outcomes.
We are proud to have been part of Johannes’ story and remain committed to cultivating hope and fostering growth wherever it’s needed. Together, we truly bloom.