Cape Town fires: Gift of the Givers reaches out

The Cape Town fires on Table Mountain has been making headlines for a few days now. The fire is reportedly contained after 600 hectares burned, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

Historic landmarks have been damaged and some completely ruined. The University of Cape Town’s Library, home to 85 000 books (most of them extremely rare or exclusive) and 3000 films perished in the fire, as well as Rhodes Memorial Restaurant and the 18th century Mostert’s Hill windmill.

The Gift of the Givers Foundation, the largest disaster response, non-governmental organisation on the African continent, immediately responded.. Volunteers have worked around the clock to assist those affected by the disaster.

More than 4000 University of Cape Town (UCT) students have received hygiene packs, meals, hot beverages, airtime and data (courtesy of a whopping R3 Million donation by Vodacom), as well as donations by various corporates including Spur, Old Mutual, Engen and Shoprite to name just a few.

“The spirit of Ubuntu reigned in Cape Town over the last few days. It’s amazing to see how people can put aside their differences and pull together in times of crisis,” an onlooker remarked.

Since its inception in 1992, the Gift of the Givers organisation has been responsible for the delivery of life-saving goods and on-the-ground support for innumerable people, collectively valued at some R2.8 billion, in more than 43 countries across the globe, including South Africa.

Gift of the Givers restores the hope and dignity of the most vulnerable in their time of need, rebuilding prosperous communities and empowering leaders of tomorrow.

Thank you and well done, we salute you!

“Nothing liberates our greatness like the desire to help, the desire to serve” – Marianne Williamson.

To find out more about the amazing work they do and how you can get involved, visit the website www.giftofthegivers.org