Around 10,000 people have been evacuated from Knysna to escape fast moving wildfires that have taken 9 lives, including small children, young families and firefighters.

The Western Cape declared a drought disaster in May and has since been by the worst storm South Africa has seen for decades. The storms strong winds meant that the initial wildfire was quickly unleashed and spread rapidly, remaining out of control for days.

Hundreds of homes have been destroyed and thousands have been displaced.

A three year old died on his birthday alongside his parents on Thursday 8th June as they tried to escape the fire and smoke.

Homes in Plettenberg Bay, a town extremely close to our hearts, have also been destroyed.

As homeowners in Plett we have personally been extremely lucky. Our home was untouched by the fire itself, which came as close as a matter of metres to the house, and we have the NSRI and local community to thank for this.

We feel that as members of the community of Plettenberg Bay, we have a duty to raise awareness of the disaster that has struck some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and offer what we can in support of those who have lost their homes and have had their lives turned upside down by this natural disaster.

We kindly ask you to help us raise whatever funds we can that will be sent directly to the brave community leaders we in Plettenberg bay, and with your help we will help shelter those who have been left without homes, offer aid township residents of the area and help support the NSRI to overcome the tragedy.

We have a great opportunity here to extend the love and support of our community over to those suffering from unavoidable disasters such as this on the other side of the world and we sincerely appreciate your help.

Thank you, so much.