Three of these locals happen to work together at DebtSenseGroup in George, where owner Annelle van Tonder says she daily sees the crippling effects of financial hardships. Van Tonder and her colleagues Charmain Zeelie and Deidré Storm decided that even though they produced nothing that could directly help those affected by the waters, they could not just sit idly by.
After visiting less privileged areas, including Syfertein, they personally went to buy blankets to help those in need. This included a paralyzed woman who had been found lying in her bed and covered with water. Back at the office they picked up their telephones and started making calls, the result of which was overwhelming.
Morning Milk, Fruit & Veg, McCains, Hartman Butchery, 4 Brothers Potatoes, Morningside eggs, Loerie Bakery and Watsons opened their shelves and fridges so wide that the three women could not fit all the food into their work.
During one of their trips to deliver food, Annelle said they ran into George Mayor, Charles Stander, who was in Syferfontein encouraging residents and seeing mattresses and blankets being handed out. She adds that they were not the only locals helping but that "there were many people busy" doing what they could.
Another memory for Annelle is that on Wednesday night, the day when the most rain fell, there was no electricity where they visited but the children were having a ball surfing in the full gutters of water on any material they could find, including fibreglass sheets.
The beneficiaries thank all the businesses and persons who helped generously donate food, clothing and bedding to those in need. Anyone still wanting to donate clothes and bedding can also drop these off at the George Herald offices in Ring Road, George.
With a van filled to the brim with sponsored food, George locals showed what ’ubuntu’ looks like. (Photo supplied)
ARTICLE: LEEANNE PRATT
