As winter settles in and the next wet spell approaches, the City encourages the public to support disaster relief efforts.
The City noted a stark increase in fire and flood impacts in recent years:
‘Our disaster relief partners are doing sterling work under very trying circumstances, but they need help and that is why the Disaster Risk Management Centre is asking for donations that will be channeled directly to affected families, or via our NGO partners.’
‘Humanitarian relief is challenging, with complexities around mandates and centralisation of funding at a national level that often results in delays. The City is trying to overcome the obstacles, as the need for humanitarian relief during disaster can’t be overlooked. Your donation to one of our City drop off points, or directly to your nearest NGO will make a world of difference,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Seven fire stations have been designated as drop-off points:
- Constantia
- Goodwood
- Hout Bay
- Lakeside
- Roeland Street
- Strand
- Wynberg
The fire stations are open 24/7 and are always manned by someone in the watch room. Donors can also email [email protected] for collection.
Anyone wishing to assist can donate clothing for all ages, non-perishable food items like rice, maize meal, tinned fish, tinned beans and baby formula, as well as personal hygiene items.
‘Disaster strikes daily for many people, and the impacts last far longer than we can imagine. It’s also not limited to the highly publicised severe weather impacts or multi-structure fires. To one person or family losing their home or being displaced is a disaster, and we need to be there for them all. So please, whether rain or sunshine, if you are by the means, we ask that you donate even when it is not headline news,’ added Alderman Smith.
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Picture: Pixabay / Pexels
