Van Schaik Funds ****

In 2018 after struggling with finances and dropping out, I managed to find a job that afforded me an opportunity to study. I then used my hard earned money to purchase a gift card to allow me to purchase books when in need. Due to unforseen circumstances that hit the entire world (Covid19), I lost my job again during lockdown which resulted in me not being able to study further (again). I still have funds in my card and today I tried to purchase a book to prepare for next semester I get told told that my card has expired. I call and get put to a lady in Marketing by the name of Margret (regret) and she tells me that the card has expired. I ask her where do my funds go and she says that the company takes it and allocates it to its profits. Which is baffling because how does a book store take people's hard earned money and allocate it to its profits while some of as try our outmost to save up and buy gift cards as a form of saving mechanism. She had the audacity to tell me about loyalty rewards after I told her that the funds in the card are not from a loyalty program, I bought them with my savings. How are we supposed to better our lives and circumstances when money can be taken just like that? If the card expires, am I not entitled to my funds back? Nowhere in their terms and conditions does it say that I forfeit my funds.