Last week the murderers of my father and the founder of Marang House, Dr Pieter Ernst, were sentenced to 22 years imprisonment. The sentencing was the final chapter of a nearly four year long battle for justice. As this battle has come to an end and the four year anniversary of my father’s death nears (29 July), I would like to appeal to you to make a final, but lasting, commitment in his memory.
My father was senselessly murdered at the age of 48 and I want to challenge you to donate the age that you believe my father should have become to Marang House on a monthly basis. To start off I commit to donating the symbolic amount of 101 rand per month to Marang House. I believe that most people aim to pass the one century mark and as my father always went the extra mile, I added one more year.
Many charities like Marang House are struggling as a result of the economic crisis that the world is currently facing. Marang House therefore needs your ongoing support now more than ever to survive these challenging times. Your commitment will provide Marang House with a constant and lasting income, which will not only allow us to continue taking care of the eleven seriously ill children living with us, but it most of all will keep my father’s legacy alive.
How to participate:
1. Print the Debit Order Authorisation Form (debitorder.pdf).
2. Decide on how old you feel Dr Pieter Ernst should have become or come up with another symbolic amount in his memory.
3. Complete the form and don’t forget to sign it.
4. Fax the form to Marang House – 011 476 2875.
5. Should you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. For more information on debit orders, please refer to the FAQ.
If you wish, you can leave an explanation of your symbolic amount below in the comments.
Yours Sincerely,
Pieter Ernst Jr
R101 – A hundred rand for living for a century and one for going the extra mile.
I was a patient of the late Dr Ernst from the days he opened his doors to his practice in South Africa – until my move to Natal in December 2004. Whilst I am sure I am just one of the many, many patients who have shared their stories, I wanted to take a moment to share mine with you as well.
As you all well know, Dr. Ernst was the most amazing doctor a person could ask for. As already mentioned, he began treating me as a young child and soon was attending to my entire family – including grandparents, uncles and aunts and close friends. He left a mark on all of our hearts and when we heard the terrible news 4 years ago, we were all absolutely devastated. It was such a terrible tragedy, that left me mourning the loss of a great man and wonderful doctor.
Whilst trawling the net, I came across Marang House’ new website and I was so delighted to hear the news of the results of the trial. I am sure the family and friends involved in bringing the perpetrators to justice are relieved to see the issue finally resolved. I am so delighted that Dr. Ernst’s son is continuing his fathers good work and the legacy of the brilliant doctor will continue with the on-going good work of all those at Marang House. I am proud to say that I ordered my MY SCHOOL card today and made Marang House my sole beneficiary. I am also going to the bank to sign off my debit order starting end August – for R80.00 per month – the age I would have liked my doctor to have reached….
So thanks to you all for such dedicated work, executed with such love and care – all in honour of a truly remarkable man…the late Dr Pieter Ernst.