Listeners to Algoa FM donated R 815 592 in sums of money ranging from between R50 and a R100 000, in response to an appeal made by Algoa Cares Rescue to support survivors of the devastating fires which recently blazed through the Garden Route and parts of the Kouga District.

In addition, scores of blankets, clothing and food parcels were also donated. In Port Elizabeth the food parcels, clothing and blankets were donated at the South End Fire Station, which acts as a relief centre during times of disaster, according to Dohné Damons PR and CSI Manager at Algoa FM.

This relief centre managed the distribution of all collected donations to the affected areas. In the Garden Route, the Eden Lions created a collection centre for all donations collected in Port Elizabeth and along the Garden Route. These donations were packaged and distributed to the areas affected in Knysna and along the Garden Route.

The cash donations were split between the Kouga Municipality and the Knysna Municipality Fire Relief Funds, after a portion of the donation was used to assist the learners of three schools in the Garden Route.

Steppingstones Pre-primary has been refunded after the school purchased uniforms for its learners who were affected by the fire.

Learners from Chris Nissan Primary School and Percy Mdala High School, who were unable to source funding to purchase school uniforms, have received funding thanks to the generous donations made by those who responded to the call to action by Algoa Cares Rescue, according to Damons.

“The school and the entire community would like to express its gratitude for the donation made” says N.J. Myo, principal of Chris Nissen Primary School. “Your donation has left a positive impact on the learners.”

“The reach of our call to action through Algoa Cares Rescue exceeded our expectations,” says Dave Tiltmann, Managing Director of Algoa FM.

“We received a national response from listeners who made selfless donations in aid of those affected by the fires and we can’t thank everyone enough.”