Relief Work

Relief Work in 2023

Looking towards the year 2023, we are steadfast in our commitment to provide humanitarian relief in Hout Bay. Our team is ready and dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most. When all seems lost, we strive to be there, offering essential items to each person in need.  

To continue our vital work, we rely on the support of kind-hearted individuals like you. We are always in need of good quality blankets, non-perishable grocery items, toiletries, baby care items, and gently used clothing. Your donations, whether in the form of goods or financial contributions, will enable us to extend our assistance to those in need.Together, we can create a difference and bring hope to those facing challenging circumstances. Let us unite our efforts and make a positive impact on the lives of our fellow community members in Hout Bay. 

Join us in our humanitarian mission and be a catalyst for change. 

Relief Work in 2022
Assisting Residents in Times of Fire: A Year of Support and Gratitude.

In 2022, we stood alongside residents in no less than nine fires throughout the year. While many of these incidents were swiftly extinguished through the combined efforts of residents and fire and rescue teams, we understand that any fire, regardless of its size, brings devastation to those affected. The loss of everything one owns, and the hard work invested, cannot be underestimated.

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We would like to express a heartfelt thank you to all those who assisted in our relief efforts and generously donated groceries, clothing, or provided financial support. Your contributions have made a significant difference in the lives of those affected by the fires. We are particularly grateful to Angel Network for their generous donation towards fire relief this year.

As we continue our mission to stand by the side of fire-affected residents, we remain committed to fostering a community of support and resilience. Together, we can make a positive impact and help rebuild lives in the aftermath of these challenging events.

Once again, we extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed and continue to stand with us in providing relief to those affected by fires. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated, and we are honoured to work alongside you in making a difference.

Fire IY March

Fire IY March

We have spent the week assisting families effected by a fire in Aggett, Mandela Park earlier this...

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Relief Work in 2021

In 2021, our team faced several challenging situations that required our immediate attention and response. The first incident occurred in March, when a devastating fire swept through an area in Imizamo Yethu, tragically claiming the life of a young pregnant lady. Our heartfelt sympathies went out to her family, friends, and loved ones during the difficult time.

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Throughout the year, we continued to provide assistance and support to families affected by fires in both Hangberg and Imizamo Yethu. In total, we responded to five separate instances, offering relief items such as blankets, toiletries, grocery parcels, baby packs, clothing, and small household items generously donated by the community. Our efforts reached over 300 individuals who had been left destitute by devastating fires throughout the year.

We are immensely grateful for the support and partnership we receive from the community, churches and local retailers. The contributions and assistance have been invaluable in our relief efforts. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated and supported us in our mission.

We would also like to express our appreciation to the South African Red Cross Society (Western Cape), and The Bay City Church for their contributions, for providing grocery buckets as part of our relief offering to the victims of the August fire in Imizamo Yethu. Additionally, we are grateful to the City of Cape Town Disaster Management, Law Enforcement, and SAPS for their assistance in maintaining the necessary social distance and adhering to COVID protocols during our operations.

Together, through collaboration and support, we have been able to make a difference in the lives of those affected by these devastating incidents. Our commitment to providing assistance and relief remains unwavering, and we will continue to work tirelessly to support our community in times of need.

Relief Work in 2020
Throughout the year, our team responded to approximately seven fires, each presenting unique challenges. From assisting as few as six families to supporting a staggering 1,487 individuals who tragically lost their homes in September, our relief efforts have made a significant impact.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic added an additional layer of complexity to our relief operations. We embraced this challenge wholeheartedly, adapting our distribution methods to comply with stringent protocols. We set up outdoor facilities and organized small groups with social distancing measures in place to ensure the safety of all involved.

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During this year, we also formed a valuable partnership with Yebo Fresh. Through their online shopping cart, donors were able to support families by purchasing groceries, which Yebo Fresh expertly packed and delivered to us on the day of distribution. This collaboration allowed us to efficiently distribute relief, while adhering to all COVID-19 protocols, within a remarkably short timeframe of just two days.

We are continually inspired by the willingness of individuals and communities to come together and support those in need. The generous donations, tireless community efforts, and partnerships we have formed with organizations such as CCP, City of Cape Town, Disaster Risk Management, Law Enforcement Services, and SAPS, highlight the power of unity and compassion.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported us and continue to stand alongside us on this journey of compassion and resilience. Together, we make a difference in the lives of those affected by fire incidents, providing much-needed relief and hope for a brighter future.

Relief Work in 2019
We are grateful that in 2019, we saw a decrease in the number of fire incidents requiring our response in Hangberg and Imizamo Yethu. Only one fire occurred in February, resulting in the tragic destruction of several houses. Our team was quick to provide humanitarian relief during this time of need.

We are thankful to our generous donors who continue to support our efforts in assisting the affected residents.

Fire IY February

Fire IY February

Shortly after 10am, yesterday morning reports of a fire in Imizamo Yethu were received. The fire...

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Relief Work in 2018
In 2017 we engaged in proactive fire prevention methods with the community, which had an impact in the reduction of the number of fires which occurred in 2018 as we witnessed a significant decrease in fires within the area. Throughout the year, we responded to a total of 6 fires, demonstrating the positive impact of our efforts.
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This accomplishment would not have been possible without the generous support of our donors, who made our proactive, door-to-door campaign a reality. The impact created through this campaign is immeasurable, as was a contributing factor to the reduction in fire incidents.

At Thula Thula, we understand the importance of ongoing support in maintaining the safety and well-being of the community. We remain committed to our mission of preventing fires, providing assistance during crises, and creating a supportive network for those in need.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making a difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by fires. Your support empowers us to continue our vital work and ensure a brighter future for our community.

Relief Work in 2017
Uniting in the Face of Devastation: A Community’s Response to the Hout Bay Fire
In 2017 we responded to in excess of 11 fires and 2 flood and storm damage incidents, assisting over 12 000 people with immediate relief and support.

The year will forever be marked by the fire that started in the early hours of the 11th of March, what began as a small fire quickly transformed into the most destructive informal housing fire ever witnessed in the Western Cape. Unrelenting for over 12 hours, the flames left a trail of devastation, leaving more than 10,000 people with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

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This tragic incident undoubtedly marked one of the darkest chapters our community has ever faced. Heartbreaking scenes unfolded before our eyes, leaving a profound impact that would resonate for years to come. Amidst the overwhelming tragedy, however, emerged the most extraordinary display of humanitarian support. Thousands of individuals and hundreds of businesses stepped forward, each offering assistance within their means, all asking, “How can we help?”

The outpouring of support we witnessed was nothing short of awe-inspiring. In the midst of their own despair, people rallied together to provide aid and comfort. It was a testament to the indomitable spirit of compassion and unity. While countless lives were shattered by the tragic loss, the community found solace in the overwhelming support received.

We will forever be grateful to every person who played a role in the relief and support efforts. From the courageous front-line firefighters who battled tirelessly against the elements, to the corporate donors, and each dedicated volunteer who persevered under the scorching summer heat during massive relief distributions days. Every contribution, no matter how small, played an integral part in making the extensive relief efforts possible.

In the face of adversity, we witnessed the power of collective action. The resilience and generosity displayed by our community reaffirmed our belief in the strength of humanity. As we continue to rebuild and recover, we carry with us the profound gratitude for everyone who stepped up and stepped out, demonstrating that together, we can overcome even the greatest challenges.

Relief Work in 2016

Making a Difference: Our Impact in 2016

In 2016, the Thula Thula team answered the call to assist in eight distinct incidents, leaving a lasting impact on the communities we serve. Throughout the year, fires wreaked havoc in Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg, affecting countless individuals and families.

Our ability to support the residents of these areas is solely made possible by the incredible generosity of volunteers and donors. The contributions of clothing, goods, groceries, toiletries, and financial support enable us to not only meet immediate needs but also acquire essential items that are not readily donated. In many cases, the ability to purchase high-quality blankets has proven to be invaluable.

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We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support we receive. It is through the collective efforts of your compassion that we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who are in dire need of rebuilding and regaining what was lost.

Every donation and act of kindness we receive goes a long way in providing hope and restoring stability for those facing adversity. Together, we are creating positive change and bringing comfort to those who need it most.

Relief Work in 2015

Our journey began less than four weeks after starting the organization when we received a call on the afternoon of the 12th November. A fire had broken out in Imizamo Yethu, the fire and rescue teams where on scene battling a fire that destroyed a number of homes.

This was our first introduction to the community and an opportunity to demonstrate the impact of our vision and mission in action. We swiftly responded and provided aid to over 200 residents who had been impacted by the fire.

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Unfortunately, tragedy struck again a few weeks later in the community of Hangberg when two families lost everything in another devastating fire.
As the year unfolded, we faced yet another heart-breaking incident. On the evening of 26th December, a massive fire ravaged through the area of Xola Square. The fire was particularly devastating, as many residents were away for the holiday season and the windy conditions fuelled its rapid spread. Over the next three days, our team worked tirelessly to register over 1000 fire victims and mobilized our efforts to provide relief on the largest scale we had encountered thus far.

During the year, we learned valuable lessons that helped us improve our systems and processes. We enhanced our registration system and streamlined our sorting, packing, and distribution procedures. In 2015, we successfully offered relief to over 1 470 people, None of which would have been possible without the incredible support we received from the community. The willingness of many to lend a helping hand and volunteer their time and services when given the opportunity was truly inspiring. We extend our deepest gratitude to The Rotary Club Hout Bay, Asad and his team at BP Hout Bay, Simon and his team from Hout Bay Super Spar, Blue Ribbon, JAM Nutrition, Oakhurst qwik Spar, Pick n Pay Hout Bay, Stratdev Global, the Save Foundation, as well as the children from Rainbow Dreams Trust and Hout Bay International School.

The experiences of that year shaped our organization, and we continue to strive for excellence in providing immediate relief and support to those affected by fires. We remain grateful to all those who believed in us and shared our vision. Together, we can make a difference and offer hope to those facing unimaginable challenges.

Get involved

Whether you are a passionate volunteer or a corporate company seeking to invest in corporate and social responsibility, we invite you to be a part of our impactful journey. Together, we can bring positive change to the lives of those in need and contribute to a brighter future for Hout Bay and beyond.