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Winter arrived in Cape Town with a vengeance this week, as gale-force winds and heavy rain battered the Western Cape. The Mother City is once again living up to its reputation as the ‘Cape of Storms’.
And the impact has been massive. Roads have flooded across the metro, roofs have been blown off homes, informal settlements are underwater, and on Monday alone, three people were killed by storm damage.
For Capetonians wanting to help, several organisations are calling for donations of food, blankets, clothing, hygiene items and funds. Here’s where help is needed.
Gift of the Givers
An organisation that is always at the forefront of disaster relief, Gift of the Givers is responding across the Cape Metropole, Drakenstein and Franschhoek, as well as across the Western and Eastern Cape. They have also been on-site leading flood-relief work in Lwandle, Mitchells Plain, Philippi and Du Noon.
The organisation’s current disaster-relief work typically includes hot meals, blankets, detergent, hygiene packs, warm clothing and emergency supplies. The best way to support them is with financial donations via their website.
Disaster Risk Management
The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management has activated donation drop-off points to assist flood-affected victims. They are specifically looking for non-perishable foodstuffs, personal hygiene items, nappies and baby formula, as well as blankets and or bedding. These will be distributed to communities in need.
The designated drop-off points are the following fire stations:
- Bellville: Belrail Road
- Goodwood: corner of Hugo Street and Frans Conradie Drive
- Lakeside: Corner of Main and Approach Road
- Milnerton: Koeberg Road
- Ottery: corner of New Ottery Road and Strandfontein Road
- Roeland Street: CBD
- Strand: corner of Broadway Boulevard and George Street
The Haven Night Shelter
Those hardest hit by stormy nights are those we often don’t see, as homeless people hide out under bridges or trees, risking flooding or injury. The Haven Night Shelter aims to offer a safe space for homeless people across the city, and their Buy a Bed campaign allows you to fund a (warm, dry and safe) space for a vulnerable person. Just R75 can fund a bed for a homeless person for five nights.
Estate agency Knight Frank has also launched a community drive to support The Haven in this storm. Donations of warm clothes, blankets and food can be dropped off at Knight Frank Chelsea Village or Knight Frank De Waterkant.
Mustadafin Foundation
Mustadafin Foundation, based in Bridgetown, has launched an urgent appeal after flooding displaced families in the area. The organisation says many households have lost bedding, clothing, food and basic belongings, with children and elderly residents among the most vulnerable.
It is asking for blankets, warm clothing, non-perishable food, fresh vegetables, baby products, hygiene packs and financial contributions. Donations can be delivered directly to the foundation’s offices at 154 Antelope Street, Bridgetown.
Overstrand storm relief
Beyond the metro, the Overstrand has also been badly affected, with severe damage to homes and infrastructure and widespread power outages across Greater Hermanus, Stanford, Gansbaai and Kleinmond. Overstrand Municipality has issued an urgent appeal for warm meals in Kleinmond, Hermanus and Gansbaai, as power outages have left affected residents unable to cook in community halls and shelters. The municipality says blankets, towels, baby essentials and toiletries are always needed, and drop-offs are accepted at local fire stations.
The main drop-off point is Hermanus Fire Station in Mussel Road, open 24 hours. Donation coordination is via Disaster Management on 028 313 8941.
Cape of Good Hope SPCA
The storm has not only hit people. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is responding to animals caught in flood zones, working with the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre to evacuate trapped pets, farm animals and strays, and to distribute animal food and blankets in hard-hit areas.
The SPCA is asking for donations to support rescue teams, veterinary care, fuel, waders, wetsuits, animal carriers, blankets and animal food. Visit their Flood Crisis page to donate and find a list of items the organisation needs. Donations can also be dropped off at selected TAH vet practices across the city.
Animal Welfare Society of South Africa
The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa has also been hit by the storm, with flooding damaging parts of its veterinary hospital and storage areas in Kenwyn. They have made an urgent appeal for dog food, cat food, bird food, rabbit food, blankets, towels, feeding bowls, cat litter trays and cat litter.
Donations can be dropped at 43 Woodbury Road in Kenwyn, GummieBears Creche in Plumstead, The Pelican Restaurant in Hout Bay and Forest Drive Veterinary Clinic in Pinelands. Financial donations should use the reference ‘Disaster Relief’.
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