New tackle for Connor

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A traumatic experience for a Plettenberg Bay teenager was turned into a display of human kindness thanks to a group of big-hearted locals.

Connor Willicot (18), who suffers from Aspergers syndrome and often finds himself overwhelmed by the stresses of life, spends his free time fishing in Poortjies to deal with this.

"When he comes home after several hours of fishing, he is calm and collected again. He absolutely loves fishing and nature. When he is not fishing he volunteers at the local snake park," said his mother Sara Willicot.

But last Friday 2 November, a criminal act disturbed his "happy place". "While he was out fishing, someone stole his entire fishing bag containing all his gear. He had just turned around to put some bait on his hook… When he reached for his bag, it was gone," Sara said, adding, "He was devastated."

Sara reported the matter and along with local crime fighters swept the area in the hope of finding the bag, to no avail.

When Connor's story was shared on local social media platforms, Plett Fire Fund came to his rescue. "We knew we needed to help," said the fund's Marius Venter.

They donated enough funds to ensure that all Connor's tackle was replaced, and by Monday 5 November it was.

Ina Olivier from the Plettenberg Crime Prevention Association (left) and Marius Venter from the Plett Fire Fund (right) help Connor Willicot to replace his fishing tackle that was stolen in Poortjies in Plettenberg Bay on 2 November. Photos: Ewald Stander

Venter met Sara and Connor at a local sports shop where he was allowed to choose what he wanted. Connor was shaking with emotion while he loaded his basket.

"We live in a wonderful community. Connor has come to realise how desperate the person who stole his bag must have been to resort to crime and have also learned how generous the community around him is," Sara says.

Connor walked out of the shop with his new fishing bag, a tackle box, a rod belt and holder and enough line, hooks and lures to last him for many fishing excursions.

The Plett Fire Fund donated funds to replace fishing tackle of a Plett teenager who became the victim of crime recently.