The crisis fund launched by the Solidarity Movement to assist communities during the Covid-19 crisis, already exceeded the R3 million mark on the morning of 9 April.
This comes after the Movement launched a joint helpmekaar day on 7 April, where institutions such as Solidarity, Helping Hand, AfriForum, the FAK, Akademia and the School Support Centre joined forces to make the fund as strong as possible.
According to Dirk Hermann, Chief Executive Officer of Solidarity, this action reminds us of the help each other actions of almost a hundred years ago, where ordinary people contributed and worked together to alleviate common needs.
Everyone was in need, but everyone weighed in and started to help. A farmer who was broke donated two chickens with the message: “… ik is geheel uitgeboer en dit is alles wat ik kan gee.” (I’m down and out and this is all I can give.)
Hermann’s message was: “All of us are going to be uncertain. All of us are going to suffer more, and that is why we must help each other. It is time for us to work together and carry this load together. It is time for us to give our two chickens.”
According to Francois Redelinghuys, Communications Manager of the Solidarity Movement, the organisation has been overwhelmed and delighted by the incredible support this fund has received from the business community and ordinary people over the past two days. “All kinds of donations were made from various places. From large donations by the Virseker Trust and Sakeliga, to small donations from ordinary people which together makes a huge difference,” said Redelinghuys.
This fund, in particular, will be used by Solidarity Helping Hand to assist defenceless people such as the elderly and children, who are exposed due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Furthermore, the fund will also be used to ensure that children attending schools can continue seamlessly with their education by means of the Wolkskool platform, made available to learners free of charge by the School Support Centre.
“The crisis is not over yet, and the peak is yet to come. Thus, the Movement will do anything in its power to help alleviate the need. This fund will become a beacon of hope for our communities,” said Redelinghuys.
Donations can be made by clicking on the following link: www.krisisfonds.co.za
