A group of Good Samaritans from Cape Town rallied together to raise half a million rand for humanitarian agency Gift of the Givers (GOTG) for their continuous work in Gaza. An impressive amount of R520 000 was collected by the Muslim Association of the Red Cross Hospital (March) and was handed over to the relief organisation at a special dinner at their Cape Town offices on Tuesday.

“They have supported for many years and since I was in Cape Town, it was a good opportunity to say thank you to them,” said Dr Imtiaz Sooliman.

This group of determined women had an out-of-the-box idea – have donors pay R20 to sponsor a brick “to rebuild Gaza”.  They made books consisting of 50 stubs worth R20 each, which equated to R1000 per book. The energetic women sold their “bricks” outside butchers, mosques and went door to door.  The campaign even spread as far as Johannesburg, Durban and other parts of the country.

“It wasn’t easy…and I commended them for their hard work and effort. Their initiative shows their commitment to the cause. It was a brilliant idea,” said Sooliman.

“We had a Palestinian guest at the handover and he praised the women. He feels we need to make a big deal so people can be encouraged to adopt the same system around the world. Ordinary people can participate and it will benefit Gaza in a very big way.”

The monies raised will be channelled into GOTG’s child care centre which is being built in Gaza. The centre consists of 6 floors and boasts modern facilities for women and children.

“We have special paint colours and artwork to help with the healing process of these kids and adults. This money will go a long way towards this centre.” VOC