Ballito church responds to xenophobia crisis

In response to the xenophobic crisis, Destiny Life Church will provide emergency aid, but not refugee housing, through their Ballito campus.

On Wednesday a message that Destiny Life would be receiving 1000 refugees was apparently sent out in error.

Destiny Life’s Carly Massimiani said that due to the government red tape involved in housing refugees they would no longer be able to assist in this way.

But that the church would continue to be a contact point for local foreigners who are in imminent danger in the event of further crisis.

Massimiani said they had been overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of the Ballito community.

“In less than first three hours of our campaign begining we had what felt like the entire Ballito community arrive at our door with supplies for the refugees,” she said.

Destiny Life are channeling the donations, supplies and equipment through the Red Cross Society who are the primary feed of support into the official camps set up by local government in the greater Durban area.

It is believed that a camp has been set up in Phoenix that accommodates more than 5 000 victims.

Members of the public and local business who wish to support this initiative can drop off their supplies at Destiny Life Church at 6 Gourday Drive, Ballito or directly at the Red Cross Society at 201 Kenneth Kaunda Drive, Durban North (end of Umhlanga Rocks drive).

Supplies specifically required from the Red Cross Society:

• Hygiene packs: toothpaste, toothbrushes, soaps, roll-on, body lotion, face cloth, vaseline, lip-ice, disinfecant and toilet rolls.
• Baby products: disposable nappies, baby formula, baby cereals, wet wipes, vaseline and face cloths.
• Food: tea, sugar, long life milk, rice, chicken portions, vegetables, dried beans, bread, peanut butter, jam, salt, soya mince, mealie meal, samp, concentrate juices, instant soups, cooking oil and canned food.
• Clothing and blankets.
• For children: play dough, crayons, colour pencils, paper (for children to draw on), puzzles, children’s paint and paint brushes, glue, scissors, old magazines and dolls.

Contact the Destiny Life relief team on 032-947 2830 or carly@destinylife.co.za.