The last while I’ve been trying to think of something to blog about.
I’ve looked at my trusty content plan a million times and wondered if that was the right thing or if this is the right thing or maybe you’d like to hear about this or maybe that. I’ve thought about things I need to say and things I want to say and yet somehow, none of them have seemed vaguely important enough to write about when my country is burning to the ground.
I feel like that sounds overly dramatic but a week ago, we had a massive storm in Cape Town. Buildings were destroyed, homes were flooded and washed away. People died.
What felt like a minute later, a massive fire started that exploded along the coast at a pace too fast for mere mortals to stop.
Houses burnt down.
Schools burnt down.
People died.
Firefighters lost their lives trying to stop the destruction.
And here I am wondering what the hell to write about.
I have no words. I have cried myself to sleep. I have felt sad and I have felt lucky and thankful.
Through all of this, my home was fine. Our beds were warm. My belongings were safe. My loved ones all completely okay.
Many South Africans responded in a way that made me proud. offering help, opening their homes to the displaced. Donating goods, food, money and a place to sleep.
I felt helpless. I’ve shared information (a lot) on social media about what can be done to help in an effort to create awareness. It’s not much but it’s something – I suppose.
So many companies have really stepped up and offered to help. Donated money and other things.
Then came the racist comments which broke my heart to see but we won’t go into that now because that isn’t the point. The point is that South Africa, has been battling for the last few days. While the world obsessed over Trump and May (both important issues) we were literally battling fire. It’s not over yet.
My heart is broken for the families who have lost everything. Many of them will have insurance but their memories collected over a lifetime will all have been lost to the flood, to the fire. Others have nothing. No insurance and they too will have lost EVERYTHING and right now they are probably trying to figure out how to restart with nothing.
How you can help
This is your moment. Dig into the cupboards at home, take out the things that would better serve someone starting with nothing that you hardly use anyway. The clothing that doesn’t fit that you’re saving for one day… the toiletries that lie in wait in the bottom of the drawer… donate donate donate.
Imagine a life where you are starting out with absolutely nothing! You have the power to make a difference!
Donate money to Gift of the Givers
Drop off donations at DHL or Aramax who have expanded their drop off points for Knysna relief donations. You can now drop off at any of their 337 PostNet Southern Africa stores nationwide. They will deliver all donations (blankets, food, water etc) directly to disaster areas. Find your nearest PostNet store here:http://www.postnet.co.za/postnet-store-locator or contact 011 457 3000 for additional information.
You can help without having to spend money but you can help by sending money too if that’s easier for you. You can help the many organisations inundated with pets to look after who have also lost their homes. It doesn’t matter HOW you help. What matters is that if you can, you do!
Read this article for more options
You have the power to make a difference!
Look at the devastation left behind by the fire
[bctt tweet=”How you can help people affected by the #KnysnaFire” username=”tyrannyofpink”]
*Featured image is a stock photo and not actual photo of the Knysna Fire
I felt like such an a-hole for doing a beauty related post this morning, but I think I needed the distraction. The fires have just been this literal cloud looming above South Africa and us….I’ve cried so much. Tried to remember to be grateful, but also realise how in the blink of an eye life changes.
Thanks for all the info in this post! It’s so helpful!!
No you’re not an a-hole at all! We all cope in different ways and honestly, it’s nice to just put your head down for a minute and forget. You’re right about that cloud. The cloud of doom (and smoke). I’m waiting for it to pass but my heart is so broken for all of those who won’t see it pass for a long time to come. Thank you for the appreciation Simone <3
It’s been just heartbreaking hearing about first the storm damage and loss of lives and then one fire and then another and another …. and more lives lost. So many people have just lost everything. So grateful for what we have and so devastated for other people’s losses. I don’t blame you for being at a loss for words. It’s so, so sad.
It really has been heartbreaking! <3
Thank you for all the information. And for being that person who cares so much.
You just made me cry! Thanks for saying this. Sometimes I feel like I’m ridiculous caring so much about things that don’t affect me directly! <3