Drop off donations for #KnysnaDisaster in Tzaneen, this is how you can help

Community members in Tzaneen, Phalaborwa and Hoedspruit are rallying behind those left homeless as a result of the #KnysnaFires.

With around 10 000 residents already having been evacuated from in and around Knysna, the fire in the region has been described by the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre, as one of the most destructive blazes in recent memory.

Read: Knysna fires are ‘out of control’

In response to the crisis, DHL Express has set up a local disaster response team to assist in the relief efforts.

According to Megan Roper, Head of Marketing for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, the company will be coordinating the logistics of supplies to Knysna, George and surrounding areas.

In response to the crisis, DHL Express has set up a local disaster response team to assist in the relief efforts. According to Megan Roper, Head of Marketing for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, the company will be coordinating the logistics of supplies to Knysna, George and surrounding areas.

“DHL will be delivering essential supplies such as non-perishable food items, blankets, clothing and first-aid supplies to the region via road as well as air freight,” she states. We are working with the City of Cape Town to move essential supplies from their primary drop-off areas and assisting them with the aid logistics in the affected areas. In Cape Town, all City of Cape Town fire stations have been declared as “Official Drop-off Points” for donated goods. In addition, DHL have opened up their 39 locations across South Africa as additional drop-off points, where people can donate non-perishable foods and other emergency supplies.”

Tzaneen, Phalaborwa and Hoedspruit are well known for their caring hearts and residents are asked to come to the aid of the victims in Knysna and donate what ever they can afford.

Donations of bottled water, energy drinks, food, blankets and clothing can be dropped off at the Letaba, Phalaborwa and Hoedspruit Herald’s offices and at the Tzaneen Cancer Care Centre.

Residents can also donate dog and cat food.

Here is a suggested list of items that could aid Knysna residents:

Tinned goods and can openers

Cutlery/crockery, paper cups/plates

Blankets

Bottled water

Diapers

Second-hand clothes, shoes

Sanitary pads/toiletries – toothbrushes, soap, etc.

Long life milk, cereal

Fruit

First aid supplies

Pet food

Baby formula

Old tents

Any other donations are welcome.

Read:  Donations for fire victims

Tzaneen Cancer Care Centre is also the collection hub, were residents can drop off donations 24/7. They are situated in 36 Maritz street.

The cut off time will be on Thursday @12:00. All the donations will then be transported to the DHL send off point in Polokwane.

The newspaper offices are situated in: Letaba Herald- Tzaneen- 32 Boundary street. Phalaborwa Herald-Phalaborwa-24 Hardekool street and Hoedspruit Herald-Hoedspruit-10 Maroela Park Koedoe street

The offices will be open from 08:00 until 16:30 for donation drop-off’s.