#KnysnaFire – Here’s how you can help
Community members asked to help #KnysnaFire victims
The raging fires that started yesterday (7 June) throughout Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Sedgefield have resulted in thousands of residents being evacuated, many of them losing everything.
The fires are not only affecting humans – animals are suffering too. According to the National Council of SPCAs, (NSPCA) many animals have been left displaced or severely injured, and in need of veterinary care. The aftermath of such devastating fires is a trail of destruction. Displaced animals need food and water. Severely injured animals need assistance. Animals suffering from burns require veterinary assistance and may need to be humanely euthanised to end their suffering if they are severely injured with no hope of survival. The situation is dire. Farm animals and wildlife, including small mammals which could not escape the fires, are affected, as are domestic animals including pets, according to their Facebook post.
Also Read: Donations for fire victims
The NSPCA has dispatched its Disaster Teams, but they will need help to cover the cost of fuel, as they are travelling from Gauteng, and would appreciate any financial assistance.
Social media has been buzzing with people from all provinces wanting to know how they can help the people and animals affected by this tragic event, and the Caxton Joburg West branch has the solution. Make a donation, via Caxton!
If you would like to donate money to the NSPCA, here are their banking details:
SPCA National Council Of SA, Standard Bank, account number 220 639 744, branch code: 051 001. Deposit reference: KnysnaFireWR.
Caxton will also have a weekly truck from Johannesburg to Knysna and should you want to donate towards the victims’ needs, you are welcome to drop off whatever you have at the branch’s office on the corner of Generaal Pienaar Avenue and Ham Street, Witpoortjie. The first truck will be leaving tomorrow (9 June).
Donations can include the following:
• Tinned goods and can openers
• Cutlery, crockery, paper cups and plates
• Blankets
• Bottled water
• Diapers
• Second-hand clothes and shoes
• Sanitary pads and toiletries like toothbrushes, soap and more
• Long life milk and cereal
• Fruit (preferably dried/ non-perishable)
• First aid supplies
• Pet food
• Baby formula
• Old tents
Should you require more information about this initiative, you can contact Sonette Beukes at Caxton Joburg West, on 011 955 1130.
The members of the Lions Club of Wilro Park have also jumped in and are hard at work helping those in need, but they cannot do it alone, and need the help of the community.
“In view of the devastating fires of Knysna and surrounding areas, we as Lions Clubs International District 410B stand in solidarity with our fellow Lions of District 410D (Knysna, George and surrounding areas) who are actively assisting in the affected areas. Our fellow Lions have been there all night – providing support, assisting wherever asked to and ensuring that hot food, coffee and blankets were readily available to victims, emergency responders and firefighters on the scene. We are in constant communication with the Lions Clubs in the immediate areas who, immediately they heard of the fires, rushed out into the night to serve their communities,” said District Governor, Bernd Gerhard.
There is an urgent need especially for financial assistance and many of our Lions Clubs around South Africa have already donated financially so that the victims of the fire – people who have lost everything and have nowhere to turn to – can get some relief immediately. “We are now calling on the public to get involved and to please help us to help other. We are appealing to the people of our area to assist either financially or by donating items such as blankets, food and clothing – we are co-ordinating the transportation of these items to the affected areas as quickly as possible,” said Sandy van Heerden, the District Public Relations Officer.
For more information regarding drop-off points or contact details for your local Lions Club, please contact Sandy on 083 564 6388.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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