Outapi
Following a New Era article that chronicled the suffering endured by Facebook minor celebrity Maria Elias, popularly known as “Viivii”, Good Samaritans touched by her plight have extended a helping hand to assist her overcome her daily struggles.
Until New Era lifted the lid on her ordeal, “Viivii” was mostly abused for fun by young people who lured her into saying things, mostly of vulgar nature, while recording her with their cellphones. The recordings were then loaded on social networks, including Facebook and WhatsApp where they went viral because of the obscenities she uttered.
But a visit to her home in Outapi last month unearthed suffering and despair for the 59-year-old, who lived in a tent with her boyfriend.
She had no blankets or adequate food, let alone clothing.
The public reacted positively to New Era’s story and donations have been streaming in for the sickly resident of Okahao, who has since relocated to Outapi.Readers donated clothing and food, while others deposited money for her. Local businessmen Stanley Thomas of ST Freight Services and Joseph Auala of Ondangwa Ambulance Services donated shoes and clothes to “Viivii”.
Thomas said he did not know the real life story of “Viivii” until New Era reported on her situation.
Auala said “Viivii” is a needy person and his donation is aimed at improving her living standard.
A number of people donated foodstuff to her.
“Viivii” expressed delight at the many donations she has received.
“I am really grateful to those who helped me. May God bless you. I so like my God very much for blessing me with people that have a nation at heart,” said “ViiVii”.