Cape Town: The Disaster and Risk Management of the City of Cape Town sets up donation drop off points. As winter settles in, the City encourages the public to aid disaster relief efforts, with the next wet spell on the horizon.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that they have noted a stark increase in fire and flood impacts in recent years. The disaster relief partners are doing sterling work under very trying circumstances, but they need help and that’s why the Disaster Risk Management Centre is asking for donations which will be channeled directly to affected families, or via the NGO partners.
According to Smith, the humanitarian relief is challenging, with complexities around mandates and centralization of funding at a national level that often results in delays.
The City of Cape Town is trying to overcome the obstacles, as the need for humanitarian relief during disaster can’t be overlooked. Donation can be made to one of the City drop off points, or directly to the nearest NGO, which will be a step forward towards making a world of difference, said Alderman JP Smith.
As of now, seven fire stations have been designated as drop-off points, which are:
- Constantia
- Goodwood
- Hout Bay
- Lakeside
- Roeland Street
- Strand
- and Wynberg
The fire stations will remain open 24/7 and are always manned by someone in the watch room. Donors can also email directly at the official website for collection.
Anyone who wishes to assist can donate clothing for all ages, non-perishable food items like rice, maize meal, tinned fish, tinned beans and baby formula, as well as personal hygiene items.
Smith also noted that the disaster strikes daily for many people, and the impacts last far longer than anyone can imagine. It’s also not limited to the highly publicised severe weather impacts or multi-structure fires.
To one person or family losing their home or being displaced is a disaster, and they need to be there for them all. So please, whether rain or sunshine, if anyone is by the means, and can ask to donate even when it is not a headline on news.