R35 000 in 30 minutes: world rallies to help little Zoë hear

TRACY Olivari from Goodwood received the kind of news that changes lives forever. Launching a bid to raise R35000 for her daughter Zoë’s hearing assessment and treatment — a crucial step before the young girl starts Grade 1Tracy never imagined how quickly help would come.

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

Thanks to international support, including a powerful boost from American YouTuber Colonel Chris Wyatt, the full amount was raised in just 30 minutes.

“I'm still trying to wrap my head around it,” Tracy said. “I thought I'd be waiting months — I didn’t expect this to happen in three days, let alone in under an hour. I’m overwhelmed.”

Four-year-old Zoé’s story of being born prematurely at just seven months, and being given only hours to live, touched many people, including Wyatt, a retired US Army colonel known for spotlighting South African stories.