R500k donated to fire victims helps “lend dignity”

Engen’s donation of R500 000 will go a long way towards assisting members of the community who lost everything in the recent Cape Town fires.

“While nothing can replace what they have lost, this helps us to ensure we can offer the victims of the devastating fires in Khayelitsha, Kosovo and Vrygrond quality assistance of the highest possible standard,” says Badr Kazi, the organisation’s government and corporate relations manager.

The devastating fires

The fires tore through three informal settlements last week and left around 3000 people homeless and without any belongings. One person is reported to have died in the Khayelitsha fire, and of the people left homeless, 650 of them are children.

Engen’s contribution boosted the R2-million aid package designed by Gift of the Givers, which will provide hot meals, bottled water, blankets, new clothing, including school uniforms, stationery, towels, hygiene packs, eating utensils and building materials to the victims of the fires.

Adhila Hamdulay, Engen’s Corporate Social Investment Manager, says the company is honoured to play a role in assisting Capetonians who have lost everything.

“Those who were affected are already marginalised, living in dire circumstances in informal settlements. Now the fires have taken what little they had,” she comments.

Who will receive the donations?

Gift of the Givers is prioritising the most vulnerable people for care, including mothers with babies, the elderly, and people suffering from chronic illnesses.

“Getting such donations directly affects the quality of the relief we can provide in situations such as this, and these fire victims are getting the best possible assistance,” he says, explaining that while rebuilding efforts are gathering force, many people are still living in churches and halls.

“We are trying to make an horrific situation a little more bearable, and the donations we have received will allow us to stay in each of the areas for a 10-day period, after which we will reassess and plan further,” explains Kazi.

Hamdulay says Engen’s CSI strategy centres on the company’s need to build and maintain a credible profile as a responsible corporate citizen. This commits them to conducting business in a manner that is compatible with not only the economic and environmental, but also the social needs of the communities in which Engen operates.

Hamdulay concludes by saying, “When our community suffers a terrible tragedy like this one, we won’t hesitate to answer the call for assistance, and that is exactly what we have done. We channelled our donation through Gift of the Givers to ensure the funds are used to the best possible effect during this traumatic time.”