Wave of support for bottled water appeal

A SOCIAL media post by a Glenwood woman for donations of bottled water reaped rewards she could never have imagined.

Mandy Wilson, who is passionate about helping animals, made the call for anyone who was able to deliver bottled water to her home by early Monday morning, and was overwhelmed by the number of people who arrived. A total of 12 885 litres of water left her home to help animals in Cape Town which is in the throes of a water crisis.

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Mandy said she got involved in the drive after seeing a post on Facebook by Kelly-Ann Van Der Meer, who heads up a Johannesburg NPO called One Small Act of Kindness.

“I contacted her as my nephew is a DJ in Jo’burg, and thought he could put a call out on his station to assist. I then decided to get involved as one of the local drop off points. I never imagined I would get such an amazing response, I couldn’t even walk in my garden, it was full of bottled water! I am so grateful for the donations which will go to the animals who desperately need it,” she said.

Mandy said the water would be sent to Fallen Angels, under which another 20 charities fall. She said the total amount of water would be counted and then despatched to the smaller organisations, who would email Kelly-Ann to let her know how much they received.

“All the water is accounted for and everything is above board. People really want to help the animals. This water also goes to farms for livestock and baboons assisted by the NPO Baboon Matters. All animals are in trouble, the situation is dire,” she said.

Mandy said her drop off point collected the largest amount of water, thanks to the generosity of people in the community and the other four drop off points locally brought in 6 800 litres.

“This will be ongoing, and I aim to do a monthly drive and will be working together with another local lady, Sally Ann Baylis. I hope by Friday to have a warehouse to store the bottled water. I already have another 2 000 litres waiting for the next drop! I aim to collect for a week next time and Gift of the Givers have offered the use of their trucks to transport the water to Cape Town as we are taking on their animal charities. I want to get as much as I can monthly, as long as there is the need for the water,” she said.

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Mandy extended a huge thank you to everyone who assisted, which included Recovery 911, Rescue Care Paramedics, Pest Man, Berea Removals, Hop Skip and Dump, Bluff Meat Supply, African Industrial, Pets Deli in Scottburgh and the community, who went over and above to help.

Glenwood High collects water

Help Glenwood High School collect water to help residents of Cape Town.
Drop off sealed bottles of water at the Glenwood High School front office.
Contact Mr Dave Munro at munro@glenwoodhighschool.co.za.

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