KNYSNA NEWS - According to Knysna's acting municipal manager Dr Michele Gratz, the town's humanitarian and social relief programme has assisted more than 5 400 households in the form of food vouchers or parcels thus far.
"Thank you to our partners Knysna Rotary and the Knysna Initiative for Learning and Teaching," she said.
"And thank you to our generous donors. The support received from private individuals has been heartwarming, and donations made have been invaluable.
Gratz noted that the successful implementation of such a programme requires a team effort. "Knysna Municipality provides the IT and verification support regarding the central database of applicants. The logistics of packing and delivering the aid is managed by our employees."
Rotary Knysna oversees the finances and the allocation and distribution of vouchers and relief parcels, while Knysna Hope manages the voucher system. The Knysna Initiative for Learning and Teaching (KILT) contributes to the food security aspect and has set up various support structures, including a psycho-social counselling programme for KILT families and educators, and a targeted learning resource programme.
"As the extended lockdown continues through the various levels of severity, it affects more of our vulnerable residents," Gratz said. "This programme desperately needs your support to continue meeting the growing demands. Judging from the backing already received from the community of Knysna, I am however confident that, by working together, we will be able to carry on helping those who need it the most."
How can you help?
Residents and businesses who are interested in supporting the humanitarian and social relief programme are invited to make financial donations to the Rotary Club of Knysna, who will regulate and manage the funds accordingly.
Their banking details are:
Rotary Club of Knysna
Nedbank, Knysna
Current Account: 1089027257
Branch Code: 198765
SWIFT Code: NEDSZAJJ
Reference: Surname – C19 Food
Email: covid-19@knysnarotary.co.za
How can you get help?
There are three easy ways to apply for aid:
- SMS the word "Aid" to 31022;
- Register at https://knysna.comunity.me/relief/relief.html; or
- Make use of the new functionality on the Knysna Municipality cellphone app.
Please visit https://knysnarotary.co.za/covid-19/ for more information. - Supplied, KM
- In Plettenberg Bay, the Covid-19 response team, in conjunction with Bitou Municipality, has managed to so far distribute 450 000 meals to date, and is feeding 10 000 people every day. "This is all from donations received," the team's Marius Venter said. – Yolande Stander
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