The Eastern Cape, and specifically the Nelson Mandela Bay region comprising Gqeberha and Kariega, has been hit by heavy rain and devastating floods that have damaged private and public infrastructure, displaced thousands of people and led to numerous injuries and deaths.
Ford has responded to this urgent crisis with the issuing of a $30 000 (R600 000) grant from Ford Philanthropy (previously the Ford Fund) to facilitate urgent disaster relief for communities in need – including areas near the Struandale Engine Plant where many Ford employees live.
The grant was issued to the Gift of the Givers Foundation, continuing Ford’s long association with this pioneering humanitarian organisation. The funding is being used by Gift of the Givers to provide much-needed hot meals, as well as distribute bottled water, non-perishable food packs, hygiene packs, blankets, mattresses and warm clothing through support centres set up across the metro. Gift of the Givers is also supporting disaster relief efforts in the Buffalo City metro in East London.
“The assessment is ongoing, and the number of people affected is expected to rise as more communities reach out for assistance,” said Badr Kazi, director of Strategic Partnerships, Gift of the Givers Foundation. “Our teams continue to identify vulnerable communities, and trucks with essential supplies are being dispatched to the affected areas.”
Neale Hill, president, Ford Motor Company Africa, said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people in the Eastern Cape that have been impacted by the heavy rain, floods and cold weather. Gift of the Givers has been on the ground since the flooding started, and they do exceptional work assisting communities during these difficult times.
We commend Gift of theGivers for its selfless and unwavering commitment to helping others.” Ford is proud to support disaster relief in the Nelson Mandela Bay area during this difficult period, our thoughts are with all those families affected.
