• Gift of the Givers has mobilised to help citizens in the Western Cape affected by recent floods, strong winds, and heavy rain.
• The organisation launched a BackaBuddy campaign on Tuesday that has drawn in nearly R70 000 in donations with a view to collecting R80 000.
• The MTN SA Foundation also donated R500 000 to Gift of the Givers on Wednesday.

Over the course of the long weekend, the Western Cape was affected by landslides, flooding, and rockfalls coupled with heavy, unrelenting rain.

The unprecedented natural disaster saw Gift of the Givers spring into action as it so often does to help citizens on the ground. The organisation issued a call to South Africans to donate to help citizens in the Western Cape. A campaign with a fundraising target of R80 000 was launched on BackaBuddy on Tuesday and by time of publication as much as R67 450 has been raised.

“The scale of these floods has left a wake of devastation that is hard to comprehend. Communities in Botrivier, Caledon, Riviersonderend, Hermanus, De Doorns, Robertson, Ashton, Montague, and Ladismith now find themselves isolated and cut off from essential services. Formal houses are submerged, informal settlements have been washed away, vehicles lie displaced, and the material possessions that once defined these communities have been mercilessly obliterated. It’s a heart-wrenching situation that demands immediate attention and support,” writes Gift of the Givers.

Those interested in making a donation can do so on the BackaBuddy website here or through SnapScan at this link. If you want to donate your time and become a volunteer you can find out more here.

“Individuals who wish to make a meaningful contribution to support those in distress are encouraged to donate through Backabuddy. As a token of appreciation for their generosity, donors will be eligible to receive a Section 18A tax-deductible certificate issued by Gift of the Givers,” the organisation added.

Gift of the Givers also notes the following as among the most critical needs in the communities impacted by this disaster.

• “Sandbags: Essential for flood mitigation efforts.
• Bottled Water: A basic necessity for drinking and sanitation.
• Hot Meals and Fortified Foods: Providing sustenance to those affected.
• Mattresses and Blankets: Vital for shelter and warmth.
• New Clothing: Replacing items lost in the floods.
• Hygiene Packs, Sanitary Pads, and Diapers: Ensuring hygiene and comfort.”

Once the recovery effort begins, Gift of the Givers says it will need building materials, food parcels, stationery and uniforms.

This afternoon, MTN South Africa Foundation announced that it had made a R500 000 donation to Gift of the Givers to help the organisation expand it’s response.

“The financial support allocated following this current disaster will enable Gift of the Givers’ trained rescue and relief personnel to expand their on-the-ground assistance. They will be able to provide critical aid, including blankets and food parcels, to those who are most vulnerable. This approach ensures that resources are used efficiently, avoiding duplication of efforts, and ensuring swift assistance reaches those victims who need it most,” Arthur Mukhuvha, general manager at the MTN SA Foundation said in a press statement.

The non-profit organisation is a consistent force when South Africa and other nations are struck by a disaster.

Hopefully with the financial support needed Western Cape government and organisations such as Gift of the Givers can help those affected by this disaster.

[Image – Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash]