CAPE TOWN – Gift of the Givers has partnered with the Western Province Cricket Union and Newlands Cricket Stadium to establish a collection point for in-kind donations for victims of the devastating floods that have swept across the Western Cape.

The partnership, which kicked off on Monday 18 May, comes in response to what is regarded as one of the largest flood disasters in recent times, with destruction spanning an extensive area from the Cape Metropole to far-outlying regions including Worcester, the Breederivier Valley, Rawsonville, Ceres, Villiersdorp and Elim.

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Tens of thousands of people have been affected by the catastrophe. Homes have been washed away, crops have been entirely ruined and lives have tragically been lost. Animals are without grazing, and household appliances, clothing, food and furniture have been destroyed. Communities across the region have been severely traumatised in the wake of the disaster.

Cricket fraternity rallies behind flood victims

Former South African cricket captain Graeme Smith was among those encouraging South Africans to get involved. One of the country’s most celebrated cricket leaders, he urged the public to drop donations off at Newlands Cricket Ground from Monday 18 May.

Current SA Cricket fast bowler Wayne Parnell was also lending his support, calling on South Africans to bring donations to Newlands Cricket Stadium as flood-affected communities desperately awaited relief.

DHL Stormers captain and current Springbok lock Salman Moerat has similarly thrown his weight behind the cause, encouraging South Africans to support the flood relief drop-off centre at Newlands Cricket Ground to assist the tens of thousands of victims affected across the Western Cape.

How you can help

All donated items must be new. The following items are urgently needed:

• Mattresses, blankets, linen, towels and face cloths
• Clothing
• Non-perishable food items and bottled water
• Hygiene packs, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes roll-on and body lotion
• Toilet paper, sanitary pads and nappies

Donations can be dropped off at Newlands Cricket Stadium from Monday 18 May.

Online contributions can be made directly to Gift of the Givers or via Backabuddy.