A family who lost all their belongings when two homes were destroyed in a fire in the Video informal settlement on July 27 has received support from the Ruimsig Lions International Service Club.

The club donated bedding, pillows, blankets, towels, toiletries and basic kitchen items on July 30 to help the family begin rebuilding their lives.

Five people, including a Grade 11 learner, were affected by the fire. The family lost household belongings, clothing, shoes, school textbooks, exercise books and the learner’s identity document.

Affected resident Matshidiso Tshumo described the incident as unforgettable and said the family is still trying to come to terms with what happened.

She said the fire started outside their shack with a blast before spreading rapidly.

“The fire was unstoppable and when we called on the neighbours for help, the fire was so aggressive,” Tshumo said.

The family was unable to save any of their belongings and now faces the challenge of rebuilding while ensuring the Grade 11 learner can continue his education.

“Our challenge is to rebuild and for the 20-year-old boy who is in school to have a uniform and books for schooling,” she said.

Tshumo said the experience had also taken an emotional toll on the family.

“It affected us so much. We couldn’t sleep well after the fire, thinking about that night,” she said.

Speaking about the support received from the Lions Club, Tshumo said it had provided some relief.

“It means a lot to receive support from the club in this difficult time, in a time of need,” she said.

Ruimsig Lions International Service Club president Elna Els said reading about the families losing their homes and possessions prompted the club to act.

“For me, reading about those families losing their home and everything in it was an immediate call to action,” Els said.

Els said the club was launched in March to serve the community through initiatives such as disaster relief, food security and youth development.

She first learnt about the fire through a post by councillor Shenan Cochrane in the Muldersdrift Neighbourhood Facebook group.

Els said the club plans to provide the learner with second-hand stationery, Grade 11 textbooks and a school uniform, while assessing what further assistance the family may need.

Tshumo said the family’s immediate needs include food, clothing, shoes, school uniforms, books, toiletries and building materials.

“Our hope is to see us back in our home again,” she said.

People who would like to assist the family can contact Tshumo on 076 344 8099 or Els on 083 650 7256.