Helping those on the frontline… “We are all in this together”
Press Release: Immediate
To: All News Editors
Wednesday, 8th April 2020
The Muslim Association of South Africa together with Operation SA have mobilized and distributed essential items to those in urgent need since the beginning of the 21-Day Lockdown implemented by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Together, we have been able to distribute 158 000 hand gloves, 800 N-95 masks and 4 800 bottles of hand sanitizer to healthcare facilities, law enforcement, NGO’s and NPO’s through the generous donations of the public and will continue to do so as long as the need presents itself.
Seeing the increasing demand for personal protective equipment and the shortage thereof, the Association and Operation SA launched a drive to donate hand gloves for free to essential service providers on the frontline.
Organisations were able to send their requests in via multiple online channels. The response was overwhelming and within four hours – the Association received requests for over 158 000 hand gloves which is being distributed to hospitals and other critical service providers.
The Association has also distributed essential food hampers for the less privileged in a number of areas across the province.
Operation SA’s Yusuf Abramjee says that the level of desperation is heartbreaking to see.
“Many communities are begging us for food hampers, but we have limited resources.”
Abramjee adds that it is important for all non – governmental organisations to work together and coordinate efforts.
“Please continue to donate. We are also calling again on companies – manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors to donate essential food items, soaps and sanitizers.”
Team members from the Muslim Association of South Africa and Operation SA will be doing an assessment in Alexandra tomorrow with the City of Joburg and Department of Social Development after reports of the dire situation in the township.
Chairman of the Muslim Association of South Africa, Yaseen Theba has thanked all of the donors for their generous contributions thus far.
“Through generous donations from our community we were able to deliver much need food hampers and basic essentials to many homes and facilities throughout Joburg.”
Theba says that the Muslim Association of South Africa and Operation SA have also coordinated with the Gauteng Department of Social Development and made priority arrangements to deliver to frail care and disability facilities.
“Through the collaboration of COVID-19 Disability Task Team basic essentials was delivered over the past weekend and we will continue seeing to their needs. Over the next few days we will partner with the City of Joburg, other NPO’s and local ward councillors to assist with the homeless crisis in areas around us. This interventions will provide shelters and food including basic PPE gear.”
Theba has saluted the volunteers for their time and expressed his appreciation for the contributions from community members, without whom this effort would not be possible.
He added that 120 000 gloves were scheduled to arrive this week. Any NGO/NPO/health care facility requiring can whats app 072 751 0414.
ENDS
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