Fuel company Astron Energy has donated R100,000 and partnered with relief organisation Gift of the Givers (GotG) to assist communities affected by the recent flooding which affected large parts of the Western Cape.
The donation will be used to assist destitute families in the form of hot meals, blankets, mattresses, baby diapers, bottled water and essential supplies.
At least 11 people died as the heavy storms left a trail of destruction across Cape Town and large parts of the province in late September. Many towns were cut off due to flood waters as over 80 roads were affected and more than 15,000 homes cut off from the electricity grid. It is estimated that the storms caused almost R1.4 billion in damage.
The recovery process for affected communities and individual households will take some time. Towns such as McGregor were completely cut off for days and residents had no access to food, fuel, bottled water and other essential supplies.
Astron Energy Head of Corporate Affairs and Stakeholder Engagements Cambridge Mokanyane, said: ”After mop-up operations are done and families return to their homes to start the rebuilding phase, much needed groceries are among the essential items needed.
“Most of these families have had to write off their home contents, personal items, groceries and for some, even their medication,” Mokanyane added. “We trust that this donation and the assistance of GotG will go some way towards helping people rebuild their lives.”
Gift of the Givers Foundation founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman said: “The after effects of natural disasters such as this are lasting and it takes time for people to overcome the trauma and to piece together their lives bit by bit.
“We try and assist in any way we through the provision of essential items so that that is one less thing for affected people to be concerned about,” he added.
“We are grateful for corporates such as Astron Energy who partner with us to help bring a measure of relief to those affected.”
Mokanyane added: “Astron Energy is committed to working alongside communities and other organisations in the spirit of partnership to assist those in distress such as we have seen with the recent devastating floods.”
According to GofG, they are continuing to respond to updated requests for assistance from various regions and towns across the province.
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