Fish Hoek Deep South Lions support Masiphumelele fire victims

The Fish Hoek Deep South Lions have stepped in to help residents affected by a recent devastating fire in Masiphumelele, which left more than 1 000 people homeless.

Lion coordinator Ingrid Russell contacted Avril and Candice Thomas of Living Hope to find out how the Lions could assist.

With overwhelming support from the public, the Club donated food, clothing, household items, and sandwiches to those affected by the fire.

To further support the victims, the Club applied for a Multiple District Louis Volks Disaster Relief Grant of R10 000.

This grant, provided through the Lions Clubs of Multiple District 410, is designed to give immediate emergency relief to victims of natural or man-made disasters. It can be used for disasters such as fires, floods, droughts, or arson, particularly when 50 or more people have been displaced or affected.

The grant money was used to purchase mattresses for the 1 124 Masiphumelele informal settlement fire victims. The mattresses were delivered to Living Hope for distribution on behalf of the Lions Organisation.

The grant is named after Dr Louis Volks, who introduced Lions Clubs International to South Africa in October 1957 by chartering the first Lions Club in the country - the Lions Club of Cape Town - becoming one of the founders of Lions Clubs International of Southern Africa.

The Fish Hoek Deep South Lions serve communities from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town and, so far this year, have helped 15 700 people.

The Club expressed its gratitude to everyone who contributed to the relief efforts.

The Fish Hoek Deep South Lions meet on the second Monday of every month at the Fish Hoek Bowling Club. Anyone interested in helping the community is encouraged to contact Aidan Ewers on 082 453 3272.