Another Opportunity To Assist Refugees
Yesterday I wrote about how I felt we needed to do something more as bloggers (i.e., more than just write) about the xenophobia crisis in our country. I’ve had numerous responses, Stii came up with some suggestions and I also gather that a march has been organised.
I’ve also just received an email from my friend Dion Forster, who is a prolific blogger, respected leader in the Methodist church and a Mac and Vespa evangelist to boot, referring to his blog post from today. This hopefully provides you or your company with another practical avenue for contributing to the situation…
The message comes from Alan Storey at Calvary Methodist Church in Midrand.
You are surely aware of the Xenophobic attacks that have spread through many of our communities in Gauteng over the last 10 days. One area close to Calvary is Ivory Park – Kanana section, where violence has left 5 people killed and many more beaten, traumatised and hundreds fleeing from their homes – many of which have been burnt to the ground.
We have also had volunteers of one of the soup kitchens connected to Calvary threatened to stop feeding foreigners – we continue to do so but people are very angry and truth be told most of the foreigners are chased away before we even arrive to feed.
We have direct contact with around 400 displaced people staying at the Rabi Ridge police station. With others we are helping to provide food and clothing and blankets etc. If you are willing and able to assist with a donation – please bring whatever you have to Calvary in Midrand or make a financial donation straight into our account using the reference REFUGEE. I guarantee you that every cent will go to where it is supposed to go and all donations will be accounted for.
If you have clothing to donate please bring it to the church where it is sorted into types and sizes and on the basis of interviews handed out to the relevant people in need. If you have time to help sort clothing at the Church – this would also be appreciated. Other necessities needed:
Toilet Paper
Soap
Baby food / formula
Blankets
Fresh Vegetables for soups
Mielie mealThe situation on the ground is frighteningly desperate.
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Name: Calvary Methodist Church
Account Number: 202 539 962
Branch: Midrand (00 11 55)
Reference: REFUGEEIf you have any questions don’t hesitate to phone me. 083 654 8568.
Thank you,
Alan Storey
Calvary Methodist Church – Midrand
011 805 3375
083 654 8568
Even the smallest donations will help a great deal.
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Hi Mike,
It was great to chat on the phone. Thanks for what you’re doing! I am so excited when we see the ‘marketplace ministers’ (like yourself) taking the lead on issues where we in Church seem to be lagging behind.
I look forward to catching up.
Regards,
Dion
by Dion Forster
on 23. May, 2008
[...] Bloggers need to do more than just write: Yesterday I wrote about how I felt we needed to do something more as bloggers (i.e., more than just write) about the xenophobia crisis in our country. I’ve had numerous responses, Stii came up with some suggestions and I also gather that a march has been organised. [...]
by Global Voices Online » South Africa: Bloggers need to do more than just write
on 31. May, 2008
[...] I blogger devono fare qualcosa di più che limitarsi a scrivere: Ieri ho scritto di come sentissi la necessità di fare qualcosa in più come blogger (nel senso qualcosa di più che semplicente scrivere dei post) in merito alla crisi sulla xenofobia del nostro paese. Ho ricevuto numerose risposte. Stii ha già avanzato alcune proposte e mi sembra anche che sia stata organizzata una marcia di protesta. [...]
by Global Voices in Italiano » Sud Africa: i blogger devono fare qualcosa di più che scrivere soltanto
on 03. Jun, 2008