Good neighbourliness in a time of need
AUSTIN VIEW - In a time of need, two Austin View residents, along with others, have rallied behind their neighbours, a couple whose house burnt down with all their valuables inside on 8 October.
Thankfully, the pair survived the flames and are now in Tembisa Hospital.
The neighbours have taken in their dogs and are asking for building supplies and dog food.
Darlene Joubert, who has been the couple’s neighbour for a year, said she heard a loud bang, which alerted her to danger. “At first it sounded like firecrackers, then we heard a loud bang,” said Joubert. She said she and other neighbours rushed out in their pyjamas to find out the source of the noise.
Jannice Campbell, who has been a neighbour of the couple for more than 10 years, said the loud bang was a gas cylinder exploding. “They lost everything in that fire,” said Campbell. After Emergency Services had put out the fire and had ensured that the couple was receiving medical attention for their burns, the neighbours formed a search party for the dogs that had escaped into the nearby veld.
“Unfortunately, one of the dogs died in the fire, we found the other five, though,” said Campbell.
“My husband and I have since taken them in. We would appreciate help with dry dog food.”
She and Joubert said they also need donations with supplies and materials to help their neighbours rebuild their house and their lives. “I hope we, as a community, can stand together and really show the true spirit of ubuntu and give this family their dignity back and something to look forward to and not go into the festive season with nothing,” said Joubert.
Details: accounts@blueberrycurve.co.za
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