SHOPPING centres in some of the worst affected, storm-hit areas have banded together with the Gift of the Givers Foundation to help those who have lost the most during last Tuesday’s torrential storm that ripped through South Durban.The massive storm flooded freeways, uprooted trees and claimed roofs, affecting thousands across the areas of Umlazi, Bluff and Glenwood.
Bluff Towers, Musgrave Centre and Umlazi Mega City joined forces with Gift of the Givers, which is renowned for its disaster relief initiatives in South Africa as well as internationally. The centres and the foundation worked to establish what was most needed to assist those in need, in the wake of the devastating storm. Currently some of the much-needed items are non-perishable foodstuffs, plastic sheeting, utensils, and blankets.
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The marketing managers from the malls purchased over 170 blankets which will be delivered to Gift of the Givers, who will distribute these among the worst hit communities.
“Our deepest‚ most heartfelt sympathy go out to those who have lost everything due to the floods in Durban. Our thoughts too‚ are with those residents, especially the destitute and vulnerable‚ who have been displaced‚” said marketing manager at Umlazi Mega City, Zinhle Zungu on behalf of the team who contributed by purchasing blankets.
The three shopping centres earmarked Gift of the Givers as they are currently also part of the organisation’s new project ‘Farm for a Lifetime’ which launched in August. This project includes the launching of two farms in Alexandra in Gauteng and Bombay Road in Pietermaritzburg, offering training workshops and job opportunities.
The malls call on all corporates and individuals to come on board to assist with donations for those in need. To find out how to get involved, contact Gift of the Givers on 031-208-2312, 031-208-2819 or 082-657-3113 or email zohradbn@giftofthegivers.org
