PRACTICAL COMPASSION AND CONCERN

Costa and I had the privilege of having Peter and Louise Auersperg and their son Alexander, as friends when we lived in Plettenberg Bay(a coastal town in the Eastern Cape, South Africa). We shared many happy, and sad, times together. I believe that Louise and their son, Alexander, have shown how compassion and concern can rise above personal loss and grief. They had the foresight and dedication to teach skills, and as a result, many lives have been saved from drowning.

This tribute captures a glimpse into how one person can see a need for skills that can save lives, and a willingness to dedicate time and effort to teach those skills to underprivileged children in South Africa.

“My name is Julie. I am the Country Ambassador for Difference Makers South Africa. South Africa has quality individuals, of the best! There are many unseen heroes in South Africa. I have come across a beautiful story of courage and selflessness from Plettenberg Bay, this is the story of Louise & Peter Auersperg. Peter Nominated his wife Louise at the end of last year 2018, to become a Top 100 SA Difference Maker. She was notified of this, and I had noticed that Louise became quiet for quite a while. Then last week I got a call from Louise where she told me that Peter had passed away. Here I am today, I am announcing Louise as one of S.A,’s newest Top 100 SA Difference makers. In her own words, Louise says: “I am humbled and privileged to share a gift God has given me to enrich children’s lives and I learned so much from them. I encourage every South African to share with those who do not have opportunities. Together we can make a difference. Thank you for the nomination that was done, thank you Julie who is making this possible, I want to dedicate this nomination to those who have made a difference in my life and honour my son, Alexander Auersperg, senior lifesaver and other volunteers for their dedication to the children.” ( http:www.differencemakers.co.za/top-100-nominees)