Houses for Drommedaris Fire Victims this Christmas.

By: Imtiaz Sooliman
Short URL: https://archive.backabuddy.co.za/drommedaris-fire-victims
Date Created: 21 December 2021

Funds Raised:
R 52 253

Fundraising Target:
R 200 000

Personal message

The general population calls them shacks and so do the inhabitants of the informal settlements who live in them. But to these inhabitants and their children, this is their palace, their abode of dignity, their shelter, their home of peace, where they as a family share the satiety of an ordinary meal or the ravages of hunger and hardship. This is their sanctuary, the sum total of their assets, two blankets, some clothing, a primus stove, a bed and the like, it is everything they have managed to amass after decades of economic activity and in one spark it's all gone. This is the tragedy of the inhabitants of Drommedaris Informal Settlement in Mbekweni, Paarl, right on the eve of Christmas a raging fire fueled by gale winds destroyed the sum total of everything they possessed.

There was no Christmas in 2020, it was lockdown level five, a destroyed economy, no tourism and a jobs bloodbath. This year as some of them reached their communities in Eastern Cape they were met by the horrors of storm destruction in Mthatha, Alice, Fort Beaufort, Middledrift, Adelaide and Krommie, then came the tragic news that their "home" has burnt down in Mbekweni.

Faced with the aftermath of multiple disasters families experience a whirlwind of emotional and psychological trauma, a three-year-old having repeated visions of the fire. There are no comfort toys, the clothing, school uniforms, stationery, furniture and Christmas food totally destroyed. These distraught families need a humane and compassionate intervention, a caring South African heart so that within these next three days we can rebuild their homes and their lives. That will be the greatest Christmas gift for the recipients and for our own souls.

Those wanting to participate in the housing rebuilding project that Gift of the Givers is endeavouring to complete by Christmas can support the Backabuddy initiative.

News interview here.

Donations

Aug 29, 2022 - R 50.00
"In lieu of a gift for your 50th my dear friend Amanda Zar, recurring contribution for a year " - Amanda Zar

Jul 30, 2022 - R 50.00
"In lieu of a gift for your 50th my dear friend Amanda Zar, recurring contribution for a year" - Amanda Zar

Jun 28, 2022 - R 50.00
"In lieu of a gift for your 50th my dear friend Amanda Zar, recurring contribution for a year " - Amanda Zar

May 29, 2022 - R 50.00
"In lieu of a gift for your 50th my dear friend Amanda Zar, recurring contribution for a year " - Amanda Zar

Apr 28, 2022 - R 50.00
"In lieu of a gift for your 50th my dear friend Amanda Zar, recurring contribution for a year " - Amanda Zar

Mar 30, 2022 - R 50.00
"In lieu of a gift for your 50th my dear friend Amanda Zar, recurring contribution for a year " - Amanda Zar

Feb 25, 2022 - R 50.00
"In lieu of a gift for your 50th my dear friend Amanda Zar, recurring contribution for a year " - Amanda Zar

Jan 29, 2022 - R 50.00
"In lieu of a gift for your 50th my dear friend Amanda Zar, recurring contribution for a year " - Amanda Zar

Dec 30, 2021 - R 500.00 Fees covered
"Be kind" - Khadija Jaffer

Dec 29, 2021 - R 200.00 Fees covered
"In the Spirit of Peace, Hope and Goodwill for All" - Nina

Dec 29, 2021 - R 50.00
"In lieu of a gift for your 50th my dear friend Amanda Zar, recurring contribution for a year " - Amanda Zar

Dec 28, 2021 - R 2 000.00 Fees covered
"Thankyou for taking care of people in need" - Julia

Dec 28, 2021 - R 500.00
"Anonymous" - Snapscan

Dec 28, 2021 - R 111.00
"Anonymous" - Snapscan

Dec 28, 2021 - R 100.00
"Anonymous" - Snapscan

Dec 28, 2021 - R 1 000.00
"Anonymous" - Snapscan

Dec 28, 2021 - R 2 000.00
"Anonymous" - Snapscan

Dec 28, 2021 - R 100.00 Fees covered
"Blessings" - Inge

Dec 28, 2021 - R 5 000.00 Fees covered
"Hoping to make a difference" - Anonymous

Dec 27, 2021 - R 2 000.00 Fees covered
"We Hope those affected by the fire get relief soon." - Ken and Lyn

Dec 24, 2021 - R 500.00 Fees covered
"Thank you" - Pam

Dec 24, 2021 - R 500.00 Fees covered
"I hope this helps even in a small way" - KarenM

Dec 24, 2021 - R 1 500.00 Fees covered
"God bless GOTG and every life touched. " - Devan Rungan

Dec 24, 2021 - R 100.00 Fees covered
"Accept this tiny donation from my granddaughter of 3 months. For a little baby needing some formula." - Saarya Ramdas

Dec 24, 2021 - R 500.00 Fees covered
"All the best to Gift of the Givers " - Janet

Dec 24, 2021 - R 20.00 Fees covered
"I hope this little bit goes a long way." - Precious

Dec 24, 2021 - R 200.00 Fees covered
"Bless you Dr Sooliman" - Vivienne

Dec 24, 2021 - R 200.00 Fees covered
"Thank you for caring and giving." - Zonja

Dec 24, 2021 - R 500.00 Fees covered
"Thanks, GoG, for your prompt action as usual" - Anonymous

Dec 24, 2021 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
"For dromedaris" - Janine Cohen

Dec 23, 2021 - R 500.00
"I trust that this contribution will help to make a positive impact to the children of Drommedaris" - Mala Singh

Dec 23, 2021 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
"Merry Christmas. And thank you to Mr Sooliman for all you do. " - Stuart Hess

Dec 23, 2021 - R 500.00 Fees covered
"Thanks for everything." - Zoe A

Dec 23, 2021 - R 200.00 Fees covered
"Hope this helps. " - Melinda Stapleton

Dec 23, 2021 - R 100.00 Fees covered
"Good Luck" - Jennifer

Dec 23, 2021 - R 300.00 Fees covered
"I hope this small amount makes some difference" - Gill Raphael

Dec 23, 2021 - R 500.00 Fees covered
"Merry Christmas " - Nicole

Dec 23, 2021 - R 500.00 Fees covered
"Thank you for always being there for the most vulnerable " - Rashida Moosa

Dec 23, 2021 - R 5 000.00
"Keep up your good work" - Rick

Dec 23, 2021 - R 500.00
"Supplies" - DB Stace

Dec 23, 2021 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
"Thank you for helping, Gift of the Givers!" - JUDITH FEBRUARY

Dec 23, 2021 - R 200.00 Fees covered
"Wishing the families a brighter future." - Anonymous

Dec 23, 2021 - R 500.00 Fees covered
"Wishing that everyone affected by illness, tragedy, fires, floods, grief, loss, stress and anxiety is released from their suffering. May all beings be free from suffering and experience joy" - Natalie

Dec 23, 2021 - R 200.00 Fees covered
"Thank you for what you do" - Paula

Dec 23, 2021 - USD $ 33.64 Fees covered
"May the Almighty place Barakah in all your endeavors" - Anonymous

Dec 23, 2021 - R 500.00 Fees covered
"Thank you for continuing to care, and congrats on your well deserved award as Daily Maverick person of the year." - Kevin Sutcliffe

Dec 23, 2021 - R 500.00 Fees covered
"Great project" - Lorrette

Dec 23, 2021 - R 200.00 Fees covered
"Sending love, peace and hope" - Jo

Dec 23, 2021 - USD $ 318.11
"Blessings to you all" - Anonymous

Dec 23, 2021 - R 500.00
"supplies for children" - Gayle Sherman

Dec 23, 2021 - R 300.00 Fees covered
"." - Pettina Brown

Dec 23, 2021 - R 500.00 Fees covered
"*" - Cornelia

Dec 23, 2021 - R 200.00 Fees covered
"Thank you Gift of the Givers for the wonderful work you do every day" - Yvonne Williams

Dec 23, 2021 - R 200.00 Fees covered
"For those in need. My prayers are with you." - Glynnis Johnson

Dec 23, 2021 - R 2 000.00 Fees covered
"Be a neighbor to a stranger; this is how we change the world." - Fezile Ncobo

Dec 22, 2021 - R 200.00 Fees covered
"For those in need" - Benita

Dec 22, 2021 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
"HOPE THIS LITTLE CONTRIBUTION WILL HELP " - CORRIE MEYER

Dec 22, 2021 - USD $ 133.36 Fees covered
"Strengh to the recipients of Gift of the Givers astonishing reach and care." - John S

Dec 22, 2021 - R 200.00 Fees covered
"every bit helps" - Rabia Variava

Dec 22, 2021 - R 500.00 Fees covered
"So heartsore to hear this given all the sad news we have endured ! " - Rojie Kisten

Dec 22, 2021 - R 200.00 Fees covered
"There are so many people with nothing. How can we make it better?" - Willemien

Dec 22, 2021 - R 200.00
"I hope this can help just a little to ease this terrible pain" - Anonymous

Dec 22, 2021 - USD $ 33.34 Fees covered
"May this little bit help for those in need" - Sonja Perrin

Dec 22, 2021 - R 500.00 Fees covered
"let us all hope for a better 2022" - steve & jane

Dec 22, 2021 - USD $ 13.34 Fees covered
"Because you, Dr Sooliman, asks." - JP

Dec 22, 2021 - R 500.00 Fees covered
"Blessings on all the Drommedaris Children. " - Caron Van Wyk

Dec 22, 2021 - USD $ 33.34 Fees covered
"*" - Anon

Dec 22, 2021 - R 200.00 Fees covered
"Well done Dr Sooliman" - Anonymous

Dec 22, 2021 - R 200.00
"We are thinking of you this Christmas" - Rory Fife

Dec 22, 2021 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
"Hope this small donation helps." - Richard

Dec 22, 2021 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
"." - Anonymous

Dec 22, 2021 - R 500.00 Fees covered
"I really hope you are able to help everyone before Christmas. Thank you for the amazing work you do. " - Anonymous

Dec 22, 2021 - R 200.00 Fees covered
"With best wishes" - Mich

Dec 22, 2021 - R 250.00 Fees covered
"Good wishes." - DRS

Dec 22, 2021 - USD $ 33.34 Fees covered
"I'm honoured to be able to help. Wishing it could be more. Thank you for your service, Mr Sooliman." - L. Tester

Dec 22, 2021 - R 50.00
"In lieu of a gift for your 50th my dear friend Amanda Zar, recurring contribution for a year " - Amanda Zar

Dec 22, 2021 - USD $ 66.69 Fees covered
"Hands that Help are Holier than lips that Pray" - Padayachy

Dec 21, 2021 - R 500.00
"Thanks for starting this Gift of the Givers. " - Jacqui

Statistics

Fundraising target

R 200 000.00

Donations to date

R 52 253.49

Gift of the Givers Foundation

The Gift of the Givers Foundation is the largest disaster relief organisation of African origin on the African continent. We have delivered over R5 Billion in aid to 42 countries worldwide, including South Africa.