With the massive storm which flooded freeways, uprooted trees and tore down roofs after 70km/h winds battered Durban on Tuesday afternoon (Oct 10), many have been severely affected and having lost everything they possess.

Musgrave Centre, Umlazi Mega City and Bluff Towers joined forces contacting Gift of the Givers, who are renowned for helping with many disaster relief initiatives in South Africa as well as countries on African continent, to find out what is most needed to assist those in need. Currently some of the much needed items needed are non-perishable food items, plastic sheeting, utensils, and blankets.

The three marketing managers from the areas most affected were Musgrave Centre in Berea/Glenwood, the Bluff and Umlazi purchased over 170 blankets which will then be delivered to Gift of the Givers who will then distribute on to communities.

“It is with the deepest‚ and most heartfelt sympathy that our thoughts go out to those whom have lost everything due to the floods in Durban this week. Our thoughts too‚ are with those residents‚ especially the destitute and vulnerable‚ who have been displaced‚” stated Marketing Manager at Umlazi Mega City Zinhle Zungu on behalf of the team who contributed by purchasing blankets.

The three shopping centres earmarked Gift of the Givers as they are currently also part of the organisations new project Farm for a Life time which launched in August this year. This particular project includes the launching of two farms in Alexandra in Gauteng and Bombay Road in Pietermaritzburg offering training workshops and job opportunities.

The three shopping centres are also calling out to all other corporates and individuals to come on board to assist with donations for those in need. To find out how to get involved contact Gift of the Givers on 031 208 2312 / 031 208 2819 Mobile: 082 657 3113 or email zohradbn@giftofthegivers.org