UPDATE: VOC staff were elated on Wednesday when they learnt that an anonymous donor had contributed a stellar R120 000 to the Gaza Water Project.  It’s been the largest single amount donated to the humanitarian initiative to date.  The project is currently standing on R370 000 since  its launch during the final week of Ramadan.

“We almost fell off our chairs when the sms came through from the bank this morning. Alhamdullilah, words can’t express the gratitude. The response has been so humbling,” said VOC programming manager Mishka Daries.

The project, which is being run in collaboration with the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), and the al-Quds Foundation, aims to assist the Palestinian people by restoring the flow of clean water to homes. Due to Israel’s latest offensive, most wells have been destroyed through air-strikes, with alternate water sources currently being controlled by Israel.

A goal has been set to raise R700 000 towards the restoration and building of wells in the conflict stricken Gaza Strip. According to Daries, the global outrage to the conflict in Gaza over the past month has prompted more action from the local community.

“Two years ago, we launched the water project and took three months to raise R350 000. With less than a month we’re almost at this mark, but we would love to continue until we can double the previous collections,” she said.

The project will culminate with the departure of the Africa2Aid Convoy, which will take the funds raised to Palestine.

“We will close the collection a few days before the Africa2Aid Convoy leaves. The Al Quds Foundation of SA and other organisations are busy with logistics at the moment,” said Daries.

With the wells set to be constructed using dollars instead of rands and with the current exchange rate hovering around R10 to the dollar, organisers have set the target of raising a massive R700 000 towards the project.

Daries called on the community to get involved in the initiative, noting that the more monies raised, the more effective the campaign would be.

“We are all aware of the plight of the Palestinians. Many of them are children living without a roof over their head, food to eat, and are in desperate need for medical care and education. Here is an opportunity for us to help our brothers and sisters in Palestine and make a real difference in their lives. Please contribute to this worthy cause,” she urged.

If you would like to make a contribution towards the Gaza Water Project, you can deposit your donations to the following bank account:

FNB

Name: Muslim Broadcasting Corporation

Acc #: 5026 1166 860

Branch: Woodstock – 250 655

Cheque Account

Ref: Water project.