The Domino Foundation recently attended the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group meeting, focusing on effective disaster response and resilience within non-profit organisations.
Representing the foundation were operations manager Cathy Whittle and CityHope Disaster Relief’s Hillcrest general manager Catherine Smith.
Smith highlighted the collaborative efforts of NPOs provincially and nationally, saying: “They have been meeting crisis situations and have partnered to create resilient communities able to deal with future disasters. KZN Response has functioned for several years fostering connections, strengthening governance, and improving access to resources and services, and we engage with community members, especially vulnerable groups, to build long-term resilience.”
Whittle explained the outcome of two national conferences where faith-based NPOs shared their specialised offerings and common activities. She said: “We had to know who was able to come to the immediate aid of victims of disasters. Sometimes it would have to be some individual or informal community group in the more remote areas. We needed to have established contact there so that, in a crisis situation, there would already be someone in situ who could provide initial aid and contact outside help.”
The pair emphasised the increased capacity to respond to disasters effectively, stating: “Whether it’s a relatively localised event like shack fires in an informal settlement, or widespread damage after a tornado or flood, there will be people in distress. Our mandate, as independent organisations or as a provincial or national team, is to answer the call by individuals, families, or entire communities.”
Their efforts aim to provide critical support and resources to those affected by disasters, ultimately building more resilient communities.
