RED CROSS SOCIETY - FIRE APPEAL : Fire Rampages Through Informal Settlement
Author: SA Red Cross Society
On the 24th December a merciless fire broke out in Village Heights (Lavender Hill), a multiracial informal settlement. The fire rampaged through the settlement and was only brought under control on the 25th December (Christmas Morning).
143 structures were burnt down in the wake of the devastation. This fire left over 700 people, including men, women, the elderly as well as young babies, and pregnant ladies, homeless and distressed. This usually festive time of the year left most of the survivors destitute and homeless, not taking away from the preparation and planning towards Christmas for the children who was now relocated to churches, community halls and some even sleeping under the sheets to protect the last remaining items.
The South African Red Cross Society staff and volunteers assisted the survivors with relief items in the form of mattresses, blankets, food and other much needed items. This was augmented with Psychosocial Support for the affected people and trauma counselling. The SARCS staff and volunteers, whilst offering psychosocial support to the distressed after the desolation of their homes noted the despair and referred more people for ongoing support to local Trauma Centres.
The mopping up operations can last a long time after a disaster of this magnitude, the South African Red Cross Society are up to the task of providing much needed support and assisting people by directing them to DOH, DSD, Home Affairs and The Haven Night Shelter. We have worked collectively with a multitude of other key role players like DRMC, DSD, SASSA and local NGO`s alongside religious groups as well.
This is an appeal for funding, however as we at the South African Red Cross Society find ourselves in a brand-New Year which will bring on further demands and to this end it is essential that we are suitably equipped and stocks replenished. We humbly appeal to you as a person or your Company to make a donation in kind so that we are suitably empowered to face 2024 with a sense of confidence as we never know when our services will be needed again. Basically – Support us to stand in our mandate alongside each other by embracing our slogan “Always Needed, Always There” and play a pivotal role in helping us help the vulnerable.
Our banking details are as follows:
The South African Red Cross Society
Name of Account: SA RED CROSS DISASTER RELIEF
Account number: 271625414
Business Current Account
Branch Constantia
Branch code: 025309
Branch code (electronic payments) : 051001
SWIFT ADDRESS: SBZA ZA JJ
To drop off supplies – we are at 21 Broad Street Wynberg, Cape Town 7824
Or phone office on 021 797 53 60 info@redcross.org.za / resource-m@redcross.org.za
Equip and empower the SA Red Cross Society of the Western Cape now so that we can be available and ready to help the hurting
– we need your help today!