DURING the evening of Wednesday, September 8, the staff and caregivers at Tharros Child and Youth Care Centre in Hankey became aware of fire and smoke ensuing from a storeroom on the upper floor of the building.
Kouga Express spoke to Michelle Dorfling and Taise Sampson, chairperson and director of the project, to find out what happened on that fateful night as well as how the community can get involved to help them get back on their feet.
“This devastating event will be etched into our minds forever. Thankfully, due to the swift action of our wonderful staff, the evacuation plan was implemented as soon as they became aware of the danger. No children or staff were harmed and the fire was localised to the top floor.
It could have been much worse had there not been such a swift reaction by our staff, Smhart security and Kouga Fire Department.
“The children were provided shelter by our neighbour, after which they were accommodated for the night with a local couple, André and Doreen Pieters. With the help of the mayor’s office, matresses and blankets were provided and the children could have a sound night’s sleep, knowing they were safe and cared for,” said Dorfling.
She added that the cause of the fire was still under investigation and therefore they could not comment or speculate on the matter at the moment.
“Insurance assessors have been to the building to inspect and evaluate the damage and we are hopeful that we will be able to open again before the end of the year. Our focus is now on rebuilding and recovering from this event in such a way that we can go forward in even better shape than we were before.”
About the community’s involvement Sampson said the following:
“We are immensely grateful for every message of encouragement, offer of help and donation received. Going forward this is exactly what we want for the project. We want the community to be involved and take ownership of Tharros as much as possible. It has been wonderful to see how many people want to get involved and help. ”
The pair communicated that all the children that were in their care have been placed with foster families by the department of social development; thus they are all safe and looked after at the moment. As they do not have any children in their care at the moment, they are not in immediate need of food, clothing and toys.
All the donations received so far will be sorted and sent to the children as they need them. Bedding and other items will be used once they are fully operational again.
“The more pressing need at the moment is finances to cover what the insurance won’t, building materials and expertise in this regard.
“We will only have a clearer picture of exactly what needs to be done in a week or so. Once all the paperwork has been done and we have a plan in place our needs will be communicated to those who want to be involved. We are so overwhelmed with love and support from the community and we look forward to building a new home for our children together.”
Volunteers from Hankey, Patensie, Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay have all jumped in and boarded up windows, cleared debris and cleaned water damage.
Dorfling and Sampson thank each and every one who gave their time and energy over the past few days and invite all who want to be involved in future to contact them.
Taise Sampson 083 500 0910 or Michelle Dorfling 083 378 4856.
