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Author Archives: Mike Hampton

Smart Office Connexion donates R100 000 to Knysna fire victims

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In June 2017, wildfires spread across the Eastern Cape Province, affecting areas from Sedgefield to Plettenberg Bay, including the town of Knysna, leaving over 8000 people homeless. The devastation in the area has resulted in families from formal and informal suburbs seeking urgent relief supplies and support. Although many private and government institutions have already come to the aid, there are still many families in need of basic personal and business supplies. Smart Office Connexion, a local managed print and document solutions company in the Eastern Cape, donated R100,000 to Rotary Club Knysna. Breaking away from its traditional annual events, such as the prestigious annual golf day, Smart Office Connexion Eastern Cape decided to instead donate the money it would have spent on the events to the community. Rotary South Africa, a non-profit organisation, gives aid to communities, families and businesses all around the world through their network of volunteers, and worked closely with the Eden/Knysna Municipality to come to the aid of those affected by the Eastern Cape wild fires. Marcel De Ridder, General Manager of Smart Office Connexion South Western District (SWD) said, “Our thoughts go out to the Knysna community and surrounding areas. We believe that in … ‘Click here to read full article…’

‘Gift of the Givers’ to Build 100 Houses

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The latest updates confirm that about 1070 houses were damaged to varying degrees or totally destroyed in the Knysna fire of 7 June; of these around 700 were uninsured in rural, farm, central areas and in informal settlements. Gift of the Givers is commencing the repair and rebuilding of the first hundred homes very soon. The housing project will be supervised by our project manager, Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752), who has a team of engineers and building personnel that will implement the intervention; local labour to support job creation will be prioritised, quality materials will be utilised and “shacks” destroyed will be replaced by RDP homes of a much superior standard. Our aim is to upgrade those affected to a better quality life for their families. Mario has been engaging the municipality and local mayor very successfully and the co-operation has been excellent. Human Settlements Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, with her Director-general, has met Gift of the Givers, endorses the project and fully supports our intervention. Standard Bank has contributed R5 million to Gift of the Givers for the reconstruction and Global Roofing Solutions has donated 100 000 metres of roof sheeting valued at R3 million. Any further contributions in … ‘Click here to read full article…’

Helping People Face to Face Works Best

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Freemasons from around South Africa donated money to the Sedge and Knysna lodges which has resulted in member Gordon Macmillan delivering good deeds, one on one with families in need. Yesterday, a family of 4 were the beneficiaries of R7000 in carpentry tools after the dad’s uninsured workshop had burnt down. That’s not only a donation, that’s a living! Thumbs up and big smiles. Thank you for helping our town!

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After Knysna Fire, People With Fire

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Knysna, the prettiest town in South Africa, will awake this morning to a different world, one of loss and ash on tongues. It is certain that this will be known as the Great Fire or something else of great importance. KNYSNA FIRE Last night, the old and young, wealthy retirees and the unemployed, found equality in survival and the sharing of stories. From Pezula to Karatara, from world renowned golf estates to farmlands, they gathered on Thesen Island. The shocked and brave became refugees in in the Turbine Boutique Hotel. Rules burnt like houses before them. Dogs barked in 5-star splendour whilst those with no money ate for free from the rich menu. Smokers would stand on the pool deck, watching a new fire grow from township to town. Chris the Manager, kept getting calls. “I can’t take 60 people, we’re already full… there’s people sleeping in the foyer and in the bar… yes, I know there’s nowhere to go… I don’t know where they’ll sleep but I’ll take 20.” The exhausted would fall asleep everywhere from uprights in chairs to the floors of the conference room, or in the spa, and, if they were lucky, in crowded bedrooms. For … ‘Click here to read full article…’

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