Hillcrest non-profit organisation, the City Hope Disaster Relief recently partnered with eTV soap opera, Scandal to provide much-needed essential items to displaced residents residing in community halls following the April torrential rains.
The organisation visited two community halls in Molweni and KwaNdengezi where they met with community members currently housed at halls.
Members of the organisation started their day at the warehouse for a behind-the-scenes view of how the relief aid is sorted and packed into well-known ‘Hope Kits’, the Scandal team also helped with the packing.
CityHope Disaster Relief general manager, Catherine Smith said that their main aim is to respond to the immediate needs of people affected by natural disasters by engaging and leveraging volunteers, partner organisations and local church groups.
“The eTV Scandal team got ‘in the trenches’ to help pack 200 Hope Kits that were later loaded into vehicles ready for distribution in two nearby communities. Each Hope Kit consists of a 20 litres plastic bucket, often utilised in the communities for water and food storage, and is filled with various food and hygiene items. We appreciate the Scandal team who had it in their hearts to encourage and practically help members of communities still affected by the April floods,” said Smith,
Smith said that their first stop was St Leo’s Church in Molweni where Pastor Thammy Mthethwa is currently caring for and accommodating 42 people in an open room on the church premises.
“These families have shown immense resilience, combining resources to ensure everyone receives a daily meal. Bulk food items were delivered along with the Hope Kits, and each person received a blanket and a mattress. Play packs, donated by the Lego Foundation, were given to the children. The members of the Molweni community were ecstatic, and the sound of delighted screams from the young fans poured out of the nearby classrooms as they had the opportunity to meet well-known and much-loved actors from one of their favourite television shows,” she said.
Smith also said that that it was a beautiful day as the Scandal team sang with beneficiaries in Molweni before proceeding to KwaNdengezi community hall.
“We then continued to the kwaNdengezi Community Hall, where 28 displaced families still reside in dire conditions. These families also received Hope Kits, large maize-meal bags, blankets, and play packs for the children. As CityHope, we invite the public to join hands with us in helping to positively impact the many desperate individuals and families in our neighbouring communities. We will continue to strive to meet the needs of our fellow citizens who have been struck by sudden and unexpected disasters and aim to bring hope in these trying circumstances,” added Smith.
For more information visit: www.cityhope.co.za or admin@cityhope.co.za
