ESTCOURT: A donation to soothe the soul
The beauty at this reserve belies the tragic tale that unfolded there on August 15
Shrouded in a dense cloud of mist, the beautiful Injisuthi Nature Reserve welcomed the team from the Gift of the Givers Estcourt branch last Thursday.
The beauty at this reserve belies the tragic tale that unfolded there on August 15. A massive fire swept through parts of the reserve, causing widespread damage and leaving staff members in despair.
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The staff quarters – consisting of 11 chalets, a laundry room and workshop – were reduced to piles of ash, with staff losing almost all of their personal belongings.
Humanitarian organisation, the Gift of the Givers, was roped in to help.
“We were contacted by Warren Blaker from the Umtshezi Fire Protection Association for assistance, as the staff had lost absolutely all of their possessions. The Gift of the Givers responded to this disaster by donating large food parcels, hygiene and detergent packs, mattresses, Woolworths thermal blankets, two couches, a microwave, kettle and toaster,” said community liaison Jaaved Khan.
The team was warmly welcomed by Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife management and staff, who assisted with offloading the supplies.
Joy was visible on the faces of the staff members who were affected, as they saw the items being set up for distribution.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife regional manager Dennis Mkhabela said the donation was not just about receiving material items for the people who had lost everything; it also fed their souls.
The recipients repeatedly thanked the Gift of the Givers Foundation for coming to their aid.
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