Newlands NPO to face a difficult time if electricity bill is not settled soon
NEWLANDS – Help this organisation continue to help those in need.
A non-profit organisation that plays a vital role in the community is in desperate need of assistance, and time is running out.
Refuge 911 provides shelter and meals to over 165 people and is pleading with the community to assist them in paying a portion of their electricity bill.
City Power has instructed the organisation to pay R240 000 or face having their power supply cut permanently.
The entity had cut their electricity supply on 18 May citing an overdue balance of nearly R1.2 million. The power was brought back on 21 May on condition they pay R240 000 by next week.
Refuge 911 is a shining light of philanthropy due to the work it does in the community. Besides providing rent-free accommodation to 165 struggling individuals and families, they also provide 220 people with nutritious meals daily (donated by Woolworths).
Manager of Refuge 911, Loekie van As explained that they only have a few sources of income, and it is not enough to settle the bill.
“Our only sources of income are the crèche we run for those who cannot afford to send their children to more expensive ones, such as domestic workers; the second-hand clothing store on the premises, and the tuckshop we run at the entrance.”
She went on to say that the money they get from these initiatives helps them put fuel into their vehicles to collect donations they have received, and buying gas for cooking.
“Our biggest worry is all the donated food we keep in the fridges that will rot without power.”
When the power was cut they had to spend R600 a day to keep their diesel generators running.
Refuge 911 is pleading with the community to help in whichever way they can.
They are in desperate need to keep their lights on and the refrigerators running.
Those interested in helping can make a donation of any amount to their City Power bill.
Details: www.refuge911.co.za or 011 477 4909.
