#KnysnaFire – Here is how you can help

Local companies have come together to collect much-needed relief items for victims of the tragic Knysna fires.

At least five people have been confirmed dead, including a firefighter and a family of three with their three-year-old son and his pregnant mother.

About 3 000 Knysna residents were evacuated when about 26 runaway fires broke out this week, destroying around 300 structures.

About 1 000 people were evacuated from neighbouring Plettenberg Bay, where around 30 homes were destroyed.

Strong and changing winds made firefighting efforts difficult.

Sheffield’s Privi Makhan said she would be collecting non-perishable food, clothing, water, blankets and pet food.

“I want to create an opportunity for local people to get involved as many of the main drops off points are in Durban and people struggled to get there.

“Those who would like to donate could drop off their items at 25 Sandra Road, Ballito or call me on 073 664 1830 and I will collect them.

“I am willing to collect from areas extending from Westbrook to Palm Lakes. This is the ideal opportunity for people to clean out their cupboards, ” she said.

Local drop-off points include:

• Christ Church at the Workstation in Umhlali will be collecting items until next Wednesday between 8 am and 4 pm. The church has arranged for a truck to collect the goods next Thursday.
• As a DHL retail outlet 3@1 at the Ballito Junction is posting donated goods free of charge. Call them on 032-9460064.
• RE/MAX Dolphin Realtors on Sandra Road, Ballito.
• The IPSS Medical Rescue office situated above Salt Cafe on Ocean Drive, Chakas Rock – The company has arranged with local security companies to collect items from people’s homes, who cannot get to their offices. People can get a hold of their security firm to arrange to have items picked up.
• Marshall Security has volunteered to collect items from people’s homes.
• Mommy Wellness at the Ballito Junction.

Items requested:

• Non-perishable food
• Blankets
• Linen
• Clothing
• Baby clothes, nappies etc
• Toys
• Cooking utensils
• Dog food
• Boxes to pack donations in

Financial donations:

• The Lions Club and Georgiete Staan Saam in Kynsna has set up a bank account for donations: Finovo Knysna Fires Trust, FNB, account number 626 573 477 64. Phone Cllr Sean Snyman for more information on 072 908 3413.
• Or visit www.knysnaonfire.co.za to donate to the cause.

>>  Expect to find the latest trends in Health, Wellness and Beauty in Ballito.

>> Meet the top players in the North Coast property industry. See our Property People feature.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.