#ThrowbackThursday – remembering Knysna 2017 fire [VIDEO]
KNYSNA – Today marks the second anniversary of the fire that engulfed Knysna – the disaster saw 10 000 people displaced and at least nine deaths were confirmed.
The Knysna fire in 2017 left many families without their loved ones, thousands homeless and caused damage amounting to millions of rands. One of the deaths included that of a firefighter who had sustained burns over 70 per cent of his body while battling the blaze.
A well-received call was made on different Facebook groups from 8 June 2017, appealing to organisations and residents to donate items for the fire victims which would then be transported to a disaster management centre in Knysna.
READ MORE: https://fourwaysreview.co.za/261445/more-donations-for-knysnafire-victims/
A fire-relief initiative was put in place to collect items which were delivered to the Knysna community in 2017.
The Fourways Crossing Shopping Centre together with Future City Fourways set up collection points where citizens could donate needed items to be sent to the Western Cape such as torches, blankets, clothes, food for both humans and dogs, water and non-perishable foods, etc for those in need.
Cen Air and SA Express Airways also immediately stepped up to the plate and transported the donations to provide some relief to affected communities.
This tragedy became an opportunity for the nation to come together to support those affected by the fire.
ALSO READ: https://fourwaysreview.co.za/261493/airborne-aid-from-joburg/
Local residents donated a number of things that could be dropped off at Caxton Local Media offices. Jean Berdou, former chairperson of the Douglasdale Community Policing Forum said”…there was so much donated and stored in an office that no one could actually use the room, because there wasn’t enough space.”
The disaster relief effort also saw local businesses getting involved. Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital gave a huge donation which they dropped off at one of Caxton branches after the company opened its doors to those who wished to donate items.
Related article:
https://fourwaysreview.co.za/261364/help-drop-off-donations-knysnafire-relief-today-2/
