Non-Profit No-Fee School Launches Emergency Flood Relief Fund to SupportVulnerable Families

By Christel House SA

As severe storms continue to batter the Western Cape, Christel House South Africa has launched an Emergency Flood Relief Fund to directly support learners and families devastated by widespread flooding across some of Cape Town’s most underserved communities.

Christel House SA is a non-profit, no-fee school serving 999 learners from Grade RR to Grade 12, all who live in low-income communities. Many of the school’s families live in informal settlements where homes are vulnerable to flooding, structural damage, water loss, and displacement during extreme weather events.

Days of relentless rain, gale-force winds and flooding have left many homes damaged - and in some cases completely devastated. While the school campus itself also sustained damage, the organisation says its greatest concern remains the wellbeing and safety of its learners and their families, many of whom are now facing significant hardship and loss.

In response, the school launched an Emergency Flood Relief Fund on GivenGain on Wednesday with a targeted goal of R100 000, to provide urgent assistance to those most affected.

“All of our learners come from communities already facing daily socio-economic challenges, and disasters like this place even greater strain on vulnerable households. Every donation goes directly to supporting our students, and while we’ve raised R20,000 to date, thanks to the kindness and generosity of our community, we still urgently need to raise a further R60,000 to reach our immediate relief target,” said Lara Black, Development and Partnerships Director at Christel House South Africa.

The Christel House SA Social Services team is working closely with families to assess the most urgent needs and provide coordinated support as quickly as possible.

Eugenia Dlodlo-Sibanda, Dean of Student Development: Social Services at Christel House SA, said the impact on families has been severe.

“Our families are facing incredibly difficult circumstances right now. Some have lost bedding, clothing, food supplies and essential household items, while others are living in homes that have been severely damaged by floodwater and wind. This fund is about restoring dignity, bringing practical relief, and ensuring that no child in our community is left unsupported.”

The campaign aims to raise R100,000 to address critical needs, including:

• Emergency home repairs, weather proofing and building materials

• Blankets and bedding

• Clothing and toiletries

• Food support

• Other emergency relief coordinated through the school’s Social Services Department

The school is calling on Cape Town residents, businesses, donors, and the broader Western Cape community to step in and help families rebuild and recover.

“In times like these, the strength of a community is measured by its compassion and willingness to stand together,” added Black. “Every contribution - no matter how big or small - will make a meaningful difference in the life of a child and their family.”

How the public can help:

• Donate directly to the GivenGain Emergency Flood Relief Fund: https://www.givengain.com/campaign/emergency-flood-relief-for-vulnerable-families

• Donate via the Christel House SA website: https://sa.christelhouse.org/donate/

Reference: FLOOD

• Donate directly via the Christel House bank account:

Acc Name: Christel House SA

Bank: First National Bank / Branch code: 250 655

Acc No: 62690724573 / Reference: FLOOD