On Monday 2 August 2010 the news broke of a horrific fire at the Peter Wessels Old Age Home in Nigel. Initial reports on several electronic and print media explained that 18 elderly people died and over 80 were left stranded with only the clothes on their backs.
This morning news broke that four more elderly people died in hospital.
ER24 initiated a social network alert within our company to contribute in any way possible. Soon we were inundated with people all over South Africa offering assistance and requesting to make donations. Late yesterday afternoon ER24’s original Tweets and messages on Facebook tripled.
We were stunned when we received a phone call from Makro Head Office offering their support. Makro Head Office, Makro Germiston and MASSMART Holdings Limited, informed ER24 that they would contribute a total of R18 000.00 in goods to assist the elderly.
Today ER24 took two ambulances and a response vehicle to Makro Germiston to assist with the shopping spree for the elderly. They were so kind to donate 84 toiletry bags, which included shampoo, soap, face cloths, towels, toothbrushes and many more items. On top of this we loaded the two ambulances full with food and other items that would be needed.
As we thought that this would be it, we received more information of people that would wish to contribute. ER24’s staff from Johannesburg East and even as far as Vereeniging drove through to Nigel this afternoon to handover items.
A total of four ambulances and two response cars were filled with items.
Emotions ran high at the ER24 offices today as well as at the AFM Church in Dunnottar where the items were handed over. It was truly amazing to see and feel the community involvement and especially at such a short notice.
We were also informed this afternoon that an elderly lady from the fire had to be transferred to another Old Age Home. ER24’s Johannesburg East Branch offered to do the transfer free of charge.
Some of the paramedics explained that it was difficult experiencing at ground zero such a disaster.
We would like to thank everyone that came forward and those that pledged something towards the need of those that suffered and lost their live at the fire.
Please find a list below of people / companies that made today’s donation possible. I do apologise if I have left anyone out.
- Makro Head Office Johannesburg, Makro Germiston - R10 000/ Foor and Consumables
- MASSMART Holdings Limited - R 8 000 Toiletry bags (84)
- Guy Hayword – Chief Financial Officer MASSMART
- Brian Leroni – Corporate Affairs Executive MASSMART
- Kevin Vuvyan-Day – CEO Makro South Africa
- Medi Clinic Head Office Stellenbosch - Financial Assistance
- Karen Worth - MASSMART - General Assistance
- Rose Duffey – MAKRO SA - General Assistance
- Menlyn Park Shopping Centre - SMS Donation Line
- Michael Cannon - Part Time Medical Assistance
- Linda Scott - Pledge
- Sharon Cronje - Financial Assistance
- Events & Pageants SA - Pledge / General Assistance
- Word Christian Church - Pledge
- ER24 Vereeniging Branch
- ER24 Johannesburg East Branch
- ER24 Special Events Department
- ER24 Medicopter Ground Support Unit
- Adv. Johan Jonck – ArriveAlive.co.za
- Makro Germiston Staff
A community was brought together through a disaster, and lifted up with your assistance and kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone and their families.
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