The Red Cross has appealed to the public for food and clothing donations for victims of the recent flooding in KwaZulu-Natal, where some people began receiving assistance on Thursday.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Derick Naidoo, provincial manager for the Red Cross in KwaZulu-Natal, said the Red Cross will appreciate any assistance with food and clothing, while any cash donated will be used towards rebuilding infrastructure in the affected areas.
“While relief efforts from South Africa and the rest of the world are still focused on the tsunami tragedy in south-east Asia, new dramas are unfolding around the world and some, like the recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal, are right on our doorstep,” said Naidoo.
“The recent heavy storm damage in the province has cost many people their possessions, their homes and even their lives.
“The worst-affected areas are Greytown, the Midlands and the Zululand district, which was additionally badly affected by lightning. In Ulundi, eight people lost their lives when they were struck by lightning.”
Pick ‘n Pay’s regional office and stores on Thursday delivered approximately one tonne of food and clothing to the Red Cross, he added, and have indicated they will be coordinating collections for the organisation.
Dion Blom, general manager for Pick ‘n Pay KwaZulu-Natal supermarkets, family stores and mini markets, said: “Pick ‘n Pay is involved in relief efforts in south-east Asia and through this undertaking we’ve realised that our customers care deeply about the plight of those less fortunate.
“We as a company are also as committed to helping the flood victims in KwaZulu-Natal as we are to helping those in Asia.”
According to Naidoo, those wanting to make a donation to flood relief efforts can visit a Pick ‘n Pay family store where all the information will be displayed on in-store posters. Alternatively, they can contact the provincial Red Cross offices on Tel: (021) 337 6522. — I-Net Bridge