After the pandemic, Fish Hoek-based Glenn and Kyleigh Rousseau’s savings ran dry. The home renovator and entrepreneur-duo faced what they could’ve never imagined for their ‘Golden Years’—a life on the street followed by immense health complications. But, hope did not forget them:
Fish Hoek, South Africa (22 November 2023) — Glenn and Kyleigh Rousseau have had a hugely challenging couple of years.
Before the pandemic, the Rousseau’s life had been dramatically different. Glenn (65) had been a home renovator and Kyleigh (58) enjoyed various career experiences, from owning coffee shops to restoring antiques and collectibles and rehabilitating wildlife animals thanks to her degree in zoology.
A life on the streets seemed a far-cry away, but in 2021 it became a grueling reality.
The financial devastation of 2020 set the change in motion for the pair. By early 2021, their savings were no more, and paying rent wasn’t an option. Without another option, they became homeless—a long five months that no one is ever prepared for.
After finally finding refuge in a shelter in Fish Hoek, a glimmer of hope emerged when Glenn was asked to work through the Expanded Public Works Programme in restoring the Fish Hoek Garden of Remembrance.
But, this was only a small breath of relief in what was to follow as Glenn’s health took a hectic turn.
Glenn had a heart aneurysm, which had complications following his operation. Of all the other complications that set in, the worst was his legs locking as a result of him not having post-op physio. This meant he lost his ability to walk.
Although family helped them secure a rental, they weren’t out of the clear. Kyleigh began begging to pay their way; unable to take any work due to Glenn needing constant care.
This story is enough to make anyone’s heart break, but it also isn’t over.
Last month, Kyleigh caught the attention of Good Samaritan Chris Botha who saw her at an intersection. After offering to buy her a coffee, he listened to the couple’s story and knew he needed to do something.
He began a crowdfunding campaign asking for a few thousand rands to help the couple along. With the knowledge that Glenn’s condition can come right with expensive medical care, Chris understood that the first point of order would be giving them the financial stability they desperately needed.
The crowdfunding campaign caught the attention of many. As Sam Widelski, who put the story on GTG’s radar shared:
“It’s the story that so many of us can relate to, the sheer strength the have, the lengths they have had to go to, to keep fighting.”
Others felt the same way and were touched by the pair’s resilience. As such, the campaign has raked in more than a few thousand as intended, but over R70,000 at the time of this article’s writing.
While the fight for stability and survival isn’t over, it is this abundance of hope that has shifted the trajectory of their story from adversity to one en-route to triumph.
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Hi Ashleigh
could you please give me a contact no for Glenn and kyleigh Rousseau
last spoke to him is when they admitted him into hospital.
I have his last cell no but unfortunately no longer in working order.
will appreciate if you could assist me
regards
Chris
0732095766