GEORGE NEWS - The Abeeda Harris Foundation, a non-profit organisation, initiated a fire victim support project to assist individuals who had lost everything in house fires.
The foundation needs funding for training of trauma counselling, fire safety, household budgeting and safe food preparation.
Their aim is to provide awareness programmes, preventative measures, assistance, support and accessible services to fire victims.
According to Amien Jantjies, secretary of the foundation, they are focused on the prevention (or reduction) of fire risks, ensuring rapid and effective response to fires and providing post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation.
"People living in informal settlements are vulnerable to disasters," said Jantjies.
"In 2016 more than 330 shacks burned down, which include backyard dwellings within the George Municipal Area. Disasters start during the winter and summer.
There are many examples of fire victims being left orphaned after such disasters, or families left homeless."
For information on the project, contact Amien Jantjies on 063 067 9037 or 078 280 2680.
ARTICLE & PHOTO: MICHELLE PIENAAR, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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