Riette Bennett, the special Darren's Tip Jar recipient, has passed away

Riette Bennett, the special Darren's Tip Jar recipient, has passed away

The local business owner of Advantage Cruiser shared her gratitude towards Lottoland and East Coast Radio the day before her passing.

Riette Bennet
Riette Bennett St Lucia

When we reached the end of Darren's Tip Jar last week, he decided to add one more day to these contributions and had a special edition on Monday. 

If you don't know what Darren's Tip Jar is, it is an initiative by Darren Maule and Lottoland.co.za which aimed at helping local businesses recover what they had lost during the harder COVID-19 restrictions and some because of the KZN unrest. 

READ MORE: This couple can now secure a home, all thanks to Darren's Tip Jar

All the local businesses received an amount of R5,000 to aid them wherever they needed it most.

Riette Bennett of Advantage Cruiser was the final recipient of the contributions from Darren's Tip Jar, but hers was also an extremely special edition.

She received a whopping R50,000 from Lottoland.co.za and Darren's Tip Jar. 

When we recall our conversation with her to share the news, a selflessness about her was revealed. Whilst she lost so much in her business and so much of her personal belongings to keep the staff employed, she still managed to share with the community with her philanthropic initiatives. 

READ MORE: A make-up artist and a travel consultant dip their hands in Darren's Tip Jar

It saddens us to announce that she has passed away.

Our condolences go to her husband, her children, and her close family and friends. We also send out condolences to her community and the Advantage Cruiser staff.

To a woman who fought right until the end to share light with others, regardless of her circumstances. 

Suntosh Pillay, a clinical psychologist in the public sector, who also co-directs the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) in KwaZulu-Natal, shares that it is important that everyone takes care of their mental health during this time. 

If it means asking for a break at work to breathe and be still, it is ok. 

We had the chance to talk to him: 

Contact: 

Suicide Crisis Line
0800 567 567

SADAG Mental Health Line
011 234 4837

Main Image Courtesy: Riette Bennett St Lucia

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