Dunoon community rallies to support fire victims with essential aid
Smiles and renewed confidence as children receive school uniforms, helping them step forward after the Dunoon fire.
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The recent fires in Du Noon may have destroyed homes and possessions, but they have not diminished the spirit of the community.
Over the past two days, residents, organisations, and leaders came together in a collective relief effort to support families affected by the disaster.
A devastating fire tore through Site 5 in Dunoon on Friday morning, January 9, placing hundreds of residents at risk and prompting a large-scale emergency response as strong southeasterly winds continued to fuel the blaze (“Fire rages through Dunoon as strong winds hamper efforts,” Tabletalk, Friday, January 9).
Fire-affected families receive essential donations from the community.
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Pastor Aidan Jeffery and Pastor Sharon Jeffery from CRC Cape Town, along with members of the church, the Table View Community Policing Forum, community leaders, ward 107 councillor Jonathan Mills, the Sunset Beach community, Andre Langeveldt, and the TLC Outreach Projects team, joined forces to provide much-needed assistance.
TLC's founder, Colleen Pietersen, said it was heartwarming to see the donations for the fire victim families and children who received school supplies on Tuesday, January 13.
"Through donations and community support, more than 130 families and 69 children received full school uniforms, offering children a sense of dignity and hope as they prepare for the school year," she said.
School shoes, and uniforms were handed over to 69 children who lost their belongings in the Dunoon fire
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Ms Pietersen said financial contributions, food donations, and other supplies played a vital role in easing the immediate burden faced by affected households.
"Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that no family was overlooked during the distribution process. Social workers from the Department of Social Development, together with Du Noon community leaders, were present to assist and ensure accountability during the handover of items," she said.
Mr Mills praised the collective effort, saying that moments of crisis often reveal the true strength of a community.
“In times of a crisis, when the community opens its hearts as they have now, we see local NPOs such as TLC and the Lions Club taking the lead to help those in need with compassion and experience,” he said.
“Because of their hard work over many years, they have built the trust and capacity to ensure that every donation makes a real difference, as seen here. This is why I continue to encourage responsible giving to trusted organisations, turning hand-outs into a safety net.”
Community members wishing to assist or find out more about ongoing relief efforts can contact TLC Outreach Projects on 021 204 4575 or 083 658 4032. Donations may be dropped off at the Table View SAPS station, using the back entrance opposite Virgin Active.