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The organization is providing hot meals, hygiene kits, blankets and corrugated sheets, among others, to help residents rebuild as much as possible.
Masiphumelele residents rescue what they can after a fire on December 18, 2020. Image: Kevin Brandt / EWN
CAPE TOWN – Gift of the Givers is helping Masiphumelele residents affected by Thursday’s fire in which some 5,000 people lost their homes.
The fire, the cause of which is still being investigated, swept through the informal settlement on Thursday.
Several organizations are also helping the community in the wake of the devastation.
Known as the largest disaster response NGO on the continent, 15 Gift of the Givers volunteers are on the ground serving the humanitarian needs of those left stranded by the fire.
Ali Sablay of the disaster relief group said they had to act immediately.
“For residents on the ground, COVID-19 was hard for them but at least they had a roof over their head but now with this fire, they are homeless, they are suffering, they have nothing to eat at night …”
The organization is providing hot meals, hygiene kits, blankets and corrugated sheets, among others, to help residents rebuild whatever they can.
“Our teams will be back on the ground providing hot nutritious meals. People have requested water; we are also taking over 6,000 bottles of water. We will make baby care packages, and many of the moms say I don’t have no diapers.” .
Sablay said that having residents remain in community hallways and other buildings poses a risk in light of the increasing rate of COVID-19 infection.
The teams will work with residents over the next five to seven days to help ensure families have enough food and shelter in time for Christmas.
Those who can help can contact Gift of the Givers at 0800 786 911 or Ali Sablay directly at 082 651 4195.
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