Gift of the Givers expands flood-relief efforts in the Western Cape
Sablay said that this has become a major humanitarian operation stretching from the Cape Metropole into the Southern Cape and Central Karoo, with more than 100,000 affected residents requiring urgent humanitarian assistance.
Image: Supplied
While the brutal cold fronts have passed, the devastating aftermath continues to impact communities in the Western Cape.
Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers is focusing its relief efforts on the affected areas, with spokesperson Ali Sablay stating that their response has expanded to assist those severely impacted by the flooding.
“Since the onset of the disaster, teams have been assisting major informal settlements across the Cape Metropole, while additional teams have been deployed to outlying regions, including the Breede Valley, Cape Winelands District, Cape Agulhas Municipality, and Langeberg Municipality.
“Our teams have now reached Wolseley, an area that has experienced immense rainfall, with fatalities sadly reported,” Sablay said.
Sablay said that this has become a major humanitarian operation stretching from the Cape Metropole into the Southern Cape and Central Karoo, with more than 100,000 affected residents requiring urgent humanitarian assistance.
Since last Monday, Gift of the Givers teams have distributed more than 150,000 hot meals, together with blankets, hygiene packs, mattresses, and baby care supplies to flood-affected residents across the Western Cape.
Sablay said that there is still a need for collections and donations, which can be delivered to the Newlands Cricket Stadium drop-off centre.
Several sporting heroes have lent their voices in support of Gift of the Givers, while the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) has also partnered with the organisation to support local communities.
WPCA CEO Corrie van Zyl said: “While Western Province Cricket Association and Newlands have also felt the effects of the recent storms, it has not been as traumatic as it has been for many communities across the Western Cape.
“Our hearts go out to those in smaller and rural areas who have suffered immense loss. I’ve personally witnessed the devastation, and it is deeply moving,” Van Zyl said.
“We urge the public to support Gift of the Givers in reaching those who need it most.”
The public is encouraged to donate essential items, all of which must be new, including blankets, linen, towels and face cloths, non-perishable food items, 5L bottled water, hygiene packs, soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, roll-on deodorant and body lotion, toilet paper, sanitary pads and diapers.
Sablay said that there is still a need for collections and donations, which can be delivered to the Newlands Cricket Stadium drop-off centre.
Image: Supplied
Sablay added that they do not need second-hand clothing and only the aforementioned items, as there is an unfortunate consequence: donation spots becoming dumping grounds for second-hand clothes.
Among those sportsmen who have shared their support are former South African cricket captain Graeme Smith, cricket fast bowler Wayne Parnell, and Springbok Rugby World Cup champion Cheslin Kolbe.
“The Cheslin Kolbe Foundation would love to raise R1 million, and all those proceeds will go towards the Gift of the Givers for the incredible work they have done on the ground by getting families back into a safer environment,” Kolbe said.
WPCA also called on all stakeholders, corporates, and members of the public to unite in support of this critical initiative and help bring relief to communities in need.