Massive response to flood appeal

THERE was an overwhelming response from the community following calls for assistance for victims of the recent floods in Durban.

According to Des Moodley and Heather Rorick, who joined forces to collect for flood victims, their phones rang off the hook with people generously offering donations of blankets, clothes and food for those in need.

“We had a great response to our calls on Bulwer Community Safety Forum’s social media forums and I’m very grateful to Des for offering me assistance. Most of the calls for donations were from his area, including Morningside, Windermere and Musgrave. It really was amazing,” said Heather.

“Heather was working alone, so with her leads from the Bulwer side, I got five people willing to help, then another two, and received 10 bags of clothes and 13 blankets and sheets. The community really mobilised on the night of the flooding. I had a call from the Sydenham group for assistance. One woman cooked up 25 litres of bean curry and her husband donated 50 loaves of bread to deliver to the Sydenham area, along with soup,” said Des.

He said the 45th Cutting mosque donated 50 blankets and the items were all taken to the Butcher and Lacey Road areas, as well as all other areas affected, including Bellair and Amanzimtoti, where families were left destitute.

“I received donations of clothes which were delivered to people in need. The Toti area was the hardest hit, especially the caravan park, where families were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. I received 30 blankets for this area and did a quick grocery drive to help. People were amazing! I received ae bakkie load of clothes and groceries from a single organisation in just one day,” he said.

He said he was also donated 75 brand new jerseys and an elderly woman in Glenwood emptied her cupboards and packed up warm bedding and blankets to deliver.

“Dr Asif Suleman from Windermere called to offer medical assistance and has also offered financial support to buy any items still needed such as school shoes. My room at home was full within a couple of days!” he said.

There are still donations of clothes coming in and Heather said a woman living in Esther Roberts Road said she was moving home and would put aside and donate any items she no longer needed.

“The human spirit was amazing and showed true human instinct to help. That’s the beauty of it – there was no thought of race or creed, just to help fellow human beings,” he said.

There is still a drive for formula, nappies and canned and non-perishable goods which Heather and Des are stillcollecting for those in need.

Contact Heather on 074 203 2792 or send a WhatsApp to the Everything Musgrave group to join and donate on 082 309 2393.