Many Overstrand residents are facing challenging times because their livelihood has been affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus. The elderly, temporary workers and those living on daily wages are currently hardest hit under the lockdown.
In a press statement by the Overstrand Municipality, local residents are described as generous and caring: “Communities in the Overstrand are known for rallying together in times of crises. From the Gansbaai-Stanford Administration (Gansbaai, De Kelders, Kleinbaai, Blompark, Franskraal, Masakhane, Stanford, Baardskeerdersbos, Pearly Beach, Viljoenshof, Withoogte and Buffeljagsbaai), as well as the Greater Hermanus Administration (Benguela Cove to Voëlklip) and the Hangklip-Kleinmond Administration (Kleinmond, Palmiet, Mountain View, Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay, Rooiels, Overhills and Proteadorp), people always stand together in times of need by lending a helping hand to others.”Donations of non-perishable food (dry food items) and toiletries will be of particular benefit to the less fortunate.
However, Overstrand Municipality requests the public not to deliver donations at any hall or drop-off facility, but to make use of trolleys at supermarkets and shops listed below. “Let’s all help to flatten the curve and by following these guidelines we limit any risk of spreading the virus. If you don’t have to go out, please stay at home and do the right thing.”
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
The Municipality’s Disaster Management team, with the assistance of registered humanitarian relief agencies and the Hermanus Network of Care (NoC), will distribute donations among households who need food parcels.
The donated items will be sanitised and then stored in and distributed from a food bank which conforms to hygiene protocol.Only essential services personnel are on duty during this period, therefore the process will be carefully handled to ensure maximum compliance to health and safety protocols at all times.
“Be assured, we have measures in place to safely co-ordinate donations to keep team members and our community safe. We greatly appreciate your support,” reads the statement. Read more here.
WHO TO CONTACT:
Families in need are advised to contact their ward councillors for assistance. Find their contact details here.
Alternatively phone Hermanus Administration: Cllr Jean Orban on 072 955 2986 Gansbaai-Stanford Administration: Cllr Riana de Coning on 083 597 2781Hangklip-Kleinmond Administration: Cllr Grant Cohen on 072 436 9068
TROLLEYS AVAILABLE AS DROP-OFF:
HERMANUS
OK Foods (Gateway), OK Mini Market (Onrus and Voëlklip), Pick n Pay, Checkers (CBD and Whale Coast Mall), Woolworths (CBD and Whale Coast Mall) and Food Lover’s Market (Mall)
GANSBAAI
Spar and OK
KLEINMOND
Spar, OK or any other local food store
HANGKLIP
Rooiels Village Shop; Mini Mart, Pringle Bay, Village Deli, Pringle Bay, Centre Shop Betty’s Bay and Penguin Place Betty’s Bay
ITEMS MOST NEEDED:
5kg – Maize Meal
2kg – Rice
2kg – Samp
2kg – Beans
Canned Foods (Mix of specifically Tomato & Onion Mix / Braai Relish / Baked Beans / Pilchards)
Toilet Paper Roll
Toothpaste
Bar of Soap
Sanitary Towels
Baby Nappies
Antibacterial Cleaning Products
Washing Powder
Gloves
Hand Wash
Black bags
other non-perishable food products are welcome as long as it is sealed in its original packaging.
FINANCIAL DONATIONS:
Financial donations can be made into the following bank accounts. Bank statements are audited.
Account Name: Overstrand LMC ABSA
Account No: 4052379259
Branch Code: 334812
Cheque Account
Confirmation e-mail: rianadec122@gmail.com
Reference: COVID-19 HMS
Donors must please use the reference COVID-19 followed by GB = Gansbaai, HK = Hangklip/Kleinmond, HMS = Hermanus or ALL = non-specified (shared equally between the three administrations). Residents are also welcome to use the Ward number as reference (as example: COVID-19 Ward 1 or COVID-19 Hawston)
The following two accounts can only be used for Greater Hermanus donations:
Account Name: SA Red Cross Standard
Bank Account No: 082261938
Branch Code: 050-312
Reference: DM COVID19
Confirmation Cell Phone: 072 609 8655 or
Account Name: Relief Life Disaster Management Trust
First National Bank
Account No: 62336798501
Branch Code: 200-610
Business Cheque Account
Swift Code FIRNZAJJ
Reference: Hermanus C19