A disaster relief organisation, based in Sea Cow Lake, Durban, was recently presented with an all-terrain vehicle valued at R695 000 from the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) to assist with the development and empowerment of disaster-affected communities, informal communities, marginalised groups, and rural communities.
Al Ihsan Relief was established to provide basic aid and assistance to disadvantaged communities experiencing poverty, unemployment, lack of amenities, and basic services.
Mr Gaff Osman, a SAMCT representative, said of its donation: “To be effective in combating disasters and providing emergency outreach services in, especially, outlying areas with rugged terrain, a suitable vehicle is essential.”
Al Ihsan Relief exists to respond swiftly to crises whenever and wherever they occur. Its invaluable relief operations are conducted by providing medication, clothing, blankets, food parcels, female and baby items, tents, and wheelchairs to victims, but its services have been severely hampered as a consequence of a lack of appropriate vehicles.”
“In acknowledging the tremendous service provided by Al Ihsan Relief, the SAMCT was pleased to assist, providing a vehicle capable of enhancing the organisation’s operational capabilities, enabling it to deliver disaster relief, conduct development projects and respond to emergencies more effectively.”
“The vehicle will enable it to reach people more easily, ensuring timely and impactful support to those in need,” Mr Osman added.
The SAMCT was created in 2008, the result of a partnership between Old Mutual Unit Trusts and Al Baraka Bank, for the creation, marketing and distribution of a suite of Shariah Funds. The organisation provides funding, services and other resources to improve the lives of the vulnerable, deprived and disadvantaged. It has been successful in delivering sizeable assistance solutions throughout South Africa – irrespective of race or religion – and continues to work to support needy organisations in the fields of healthcare, social development, poverty alleviation and education.
“Given the nature of its relief operations and other developmental activities, which predominantly occur in disaster-stricken, rural and often informal settlement areas, we are privileged to have been able to assist with a suitable vehicle to take on rugged terrain and areas which are difficult to access. This essential asset will undoubtedly be a tremendous help to both the organisation and the communities it serves,” Mr Osman said.
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For more information about the SAMCT or its Al Ihsan Relief vehicle donation, please contact:
Rasheeda Motala
Social Responsibility Officer
Tel: 084 506 2280
Email: samct@samct.co.za
www.samct.co.za