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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - On 30 August, 15 families faced the devastation and loss of property that many mortals fear.
When a fire broke out among informal structures in Asla Park, 15 families lost everything they owned.
A post on social media, however, set the ball rolling for huge community co-operation to ensure the affected families got back on their feet.
Donations were called for and received from all over Mossel Bay. Groups involved in coordinating the effort included the KwaNonqaba Community Policing Forum, the Paul Draay Soup Kitchen, as well as the Street Angels Soup Kitchen.
KwaNonqaba Police spokesperson Sergeant Kappie Kapp said many donations were handed in at the police station. "We were pleased with the outpouring of generosity from community."
On Friday, 3 September, with the help of a coordinator from the community, Thembekile Mkoduso, the fire victims congregated at the Asla Park community hall.
Photo gallery: Donations to fire victims
Inside the hall, donations of clothing, school bags, food parcels and snacks for the children were laid out. Municipal councillors Erica Meyer, Alderlady Rosina Ruiters, Alderman Niklaas Booisen and acting mayor, Alderman Dirk Kotzé, were also in attendance.
Councillors members and members of the soup kitchens that coordinated a donation drive for fire victims. Photos: Cornelle Carstens
Both Karin Lombard (Street Angels) and William Sam (Paul Draay Soup Kitchen) commended community members for opening their hearts to donate.
"It is only through collaborative effort that we can do this. And we will not stop. We want to build up stock to aid fire victims in future."
Karin Lombard from Street Angels Soup Kitchen with little Azomila Zizo Madala receiving a donation.
Acting mayor, Alderman Dirk Kotzé, sympathised with the victims and thanked those who donated so generously. He said the Mossel Bay Municipality felt deeply for those who suffered loss due to fire. He explained that the municipal budget did not allow for or cover much-needed help for fire victims, but that the municipality was looking at other ways of assisting wherever it could.
In closing, Alderlady Ruiters comforted the recipients with these words: "Fear has two meanings. Forget everything and run, or face everything and rise. The choice is yours."
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