Knysna Man Whose Home Burnt Launches Fund for Neighbour Who Lost His Child in Fire
Knysna resident Scott Edkins, has launched a heartbreaking campaign to help rebuild the life of one of his neighbours… the father of the little 3-year-old girl, Catherine Nyirenda, who was tragically killed in the Knysna fires this week. Her mother, Blessing Nyirenda’s wife, is currently fighting for her life in Tygerberg Hospital. Scott wrote this heartfelt […]
Knysna resident Scott Edkins, has launched a heartbreaking campaign to help rebuild the life of one of his neighbours… the father of the little 3-year-old girl, Catherine Nyirenda, who was tragically killed in the Knysna fires this week. Her mother, Blessing Nyirenda’s wife, is currently fighting for her life in Tygerberg Hospital.
Scott wrote this heartfelt post yesterday: “As some of you are aware I was part of a small group of people that discovered the body of a 3 year old girl – Catherine Nyirenda, very close to our burned out house.
“Catherine and her mother had been trying to outrun the fire which was impossible. Her mother is alive but in a very serious condition… (UPDATE: Enala was transferred to Tygerberg Hospital last night. She is still in intensive care and doctors say she has a 50/50 chance, with burns over 70 percent of her body. “It’s not looking good but we all holding hope she will pull through.”)
“Discovering little Catherine was difficult but what was even harder was when her father Blessing Nyirenda was brought to the scene.
“Blessing put everything in perspective as he collapsed to the ground sobbing uncontrollably.
“Blessing is from Malawi and came to South Africa to start a new life for his family. He had a steady job and a home just 1 km from mine. He is the keyboard player in the church and a well liked and very good man.
“Blessing has lost far more than me, and he could lose his wife in the next 48 hours as well. Little Catherine was a little live wire and well liked and I can’t imagine how I would be if this happened to Tarryn or my kids Jessie and Emily.
“I am going to ask all of you that have shown concern and sent us messages of support, asking how you can be of assistance, to help me try rebuild Blessings life in one way or another.
“Be it R100 or $100 – any amount will go a long way towards trying to give this man some sort of life again. Remember he has lost his house and all his possessions, as well as little Catherine and possibly his wife Enala…”
Enala is the sister of one of Scott’s employees. He said: “This morning I met with Blessing at the site where we found his daughter… and he is a broken man that is showing incredible strength at this time. He is very grateful for the donations so far. His first wish is that we get baby Catherine’s body back to Malawi as soon as possible so he can give her a proper funeral.”
Scott has set up a trust account and says: “I will personally manage the funds and be accountable for every cent as I, along with your help, try and give Blessing a second chance at life.
“I am kick starting the fund with a donation of R5000.00 (about $400).
“Please guys, dig deep and let’s show Blessing that he is not alone and that people do care.
“Much appreciated, Scott.”
With strong winds and wild fires still raging, Scott says “we are a long way from being over this disaster, but what amazing community spirit is being shown.”
Scott himself was busy this afternoon trying to help put out “raging” fires (“smashing Buffalo Bay and heading to Brenton again”)… so he spoke to SAPeople through his friend Hugo Venter who has helped him set up fundraising pages online. #ThankYou #PleaseSupportBlessing
TO DONATE to BLESSING’S FIRE FUND, PLEASE USE ANY OF THE BELOW:
DIRECTLY:
Account name: SATE TRUST
Account number: 62517860830
Bank name: First National Bank
Bank address: Blue Route Mall, Tokai, Cape Town
Bank code: 200409
Swift: FIRNZAJJ
PAYPAL
https://www.paypal.me/BlessingKnysnaFire
CANDYSTICK
https://candystick.co.za/c/blessing-nyirenda-knysna-fire-s…/
