Bringing relief in times of disaster is what CityHope, a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) does. The organisation, based in Hillcrest, responded to a recent fire disaster that ripped through Marikana Informal Settlement in Cato Manor by providing food parcels to victims on Wednesday, 28 April.
49 shacks were burnt to the ground leaving one person dead and a teenager injured. The food parcels consisted of maize meal, cooking oil, toilet paper, soap, sanitary pads, lotion, sanitisers and masks. According to Catherine Smith, general manager at CityHope, they will return next week with blankets, mattresses and more food. Their aim is for the victims to have food that would last them at least a month. “With the help of a generous donation we were able to bring relief to the victims. We provided food parcels to the affected people which we hope will go a long way. The organisation responds to disaster situations within 48 hours through the provision of relief aid and disaster recovery,” said Smith.
The organisation partners with businesses, organisations, church groups and individuals who are able to facilitate the collection, storage and disbursement of relief aid and disaster management services. Beneficiary, Jeffery Nyawo, said he was thankful for all the help they have received so far. “What happened here was unexpected and it can happen to anyone. We were left with nothing but with the help that we have received so far we have managed to rebuild and we have enough food to keep us going for a long time. Thank you to everyone who has come to our aid,” said Nyawo. Another beneficiary Senzekile Duma said the food relief will help her and her daughter since none of them are working. She said they have been surviving on piece jobs since last year. “The fire made things worse for us because we now have to start afresh with everything, it has not been the easiest few days,” said Duma.
