Communities rally to help refugees
While locals have opened their hearts and pockets to victims of xenophobic attacks, the Red Cross is still in dire need of toiletries for victims in the camps.
WHILE the Red Cross Society in KZN thanks the public for an outpouring of assistance to aid humanity in light of the recent attacks on immigrants, they have appealed for more assistance for victims at the three camps.
Berea residents have also rallied to the call for help according to Councillor Nicole Graham who said many had given generously.
“I saw a few of the collections on Facebook and decided to collect goods for the displaced persons camps in my office.
“Everything I have managed to collect has been taken to Red Cross. People are welcome to contact me to make further donations.
“I have also been in contact with a number of foreign nationals who work in our community to assist with temporary accommodation if necessary,” she said.
A Morningside resident, Dr Casey McCusker, started a collection point on Problem Mkhize (Cowey) Road corner after seeing a Red Cross tweet appealing for non perishable goods.
“I noticed the tweet and realised there are so many people that might want to help but are too busy so I thought having a well positioned spot in front of the graffitti wall would be easy for people to just drop off goods on their way home,” she explained.
It worked and McCusker has received a generous donation of non perishables from the community which was delivered to the Red Cross offices.
Red Cross CEO, Mr Derick Naidoo, thanked the public and all businesses for their generous donations on social media platforms.
On Monday however a plea for toiletries was made by the organisation as they were in dire need of toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap and sanitary pads for displaced victims in Durban.
All donations can be dropped off at their offices at 201 Kenneth Kaunda Drive, Durban North. There are currently 6500 beneficiaries at the three KZN camps.
