The international humanitarian organisation Ashraful Aid continues to shine a light at the end of the tunnel for communities in need.
Following the week of civil unrest in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng which left hundreds of shops looted and communities in dire need, volunteer teams from the non-profit organisation rallied together to provide relief.
With basic household items no longer easily accessible after various local shops were destroyed, Ashraful Aid’s disaster relief team arranged for essential items to be sent to the KwaZulu-Natal province by July 15.
According to executive director Moulana Suhail Wadee, with the help of grocery and cash donations, over 5 000 grocery hampers consisting of oil, maize meal, sugar, teabags, canned food, vegetables and other essentials were packaged and ready for distribution. “In addition to this, over 15 000 loaves of bread, 5 000 litres of milk and at least 3.4 tons of baby food, formula and other baby essentials were also distributed.”
Overall, about 50 tons of groceries were transported via road and air from Johannesburg between July 15 and 18. “Our first aim was to ensure we reach the vulnerable and the elderly and this was achieved by working through various care organisations and community leaders to identify those who were most in need,” said Wadee.
Distribution took place in central Durban as well as outlying various outlying areas.
Wadee added that the organisation remains grateful to all the staff, volunteers, partners and donors who made this significant humanitarian effort possible. “We know that we haven’t been able to reach everyone, but we hope that those who received the bread, milk and food parcels will at least get some relief from the difficult circumstances they face.”
Ashraful Aid remains fully aware that the impact of the recent unrest will be felt by many families and businesses for many months to come.
The organisation has now shifted its focus to the next phase of its outreach – working with local partners to do an analysis of projects in the region that will require further support in the weeks and months ahead.
Details: Ashraful Aid 011 809 8181.
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