Story of Hope: Citizens open their hearts to Paarl East fire victims

December is the time of year where most people are celebrating and gearing up towards a wonderful holiday time. But for 270 people in Chicago, Paarl East, the season started on a devastating note when they lost everything in a fire on Sunday 10 December 2017.

However – where there are good hearts and good minds, there is always hope.

Because of the kindness of the people in the Paarl valley and surrounding areas, all of the fire victims will now have more than enough to address their basic needs throughout the season ahead.

After various call for assistance were issued by the Drakenstein Municipality, the Drakenstein Fire Department, Valcare and The Val de Vie Foundation amongst others, donations came flooding in.

Valcare alone received thousands of donations including clothing, food, nappies, formula and water estimated worth more than R35 000 in value. These items have been handed over to the Drakenstein Fire Department, who will be responsible to distribute the donations amongst the victims, currently residing in a temporary location.

“Valcare would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who is taking hands to enable change in community. These efforts are an incredible example of what can be achieved when we work together as a family. We can truly create a lasting impact in the Paarl valley and surrounding areas when we collaborate to uplift others,” says Ivan Swartz, CEO of Valcare.

In association with Valcare, the Val de Vie Foundation also did a call out to their home-owners to donate towards the victims, and the response has been phenomenal. The Foundation has received bags full of clothes, infant milk, nappies and food that will be delivered to the Valcare offices on Friday 15 December, who will hand over to the Fire Department to distribute further.

If anyone would still like to help in any way, please visit www.valcare.org.za or Valcare’s Facebook page, or contact admin@valcare.org.za.