NPO ploughs forward in rebuild of gutted house
The director of the foundation, Nicholas Nico Johnson, said that they have been able to collect funds to complete the first phase of the rebuilding process.
A Newlands East family, who lost everything when their house was burnt to the ground two years ago, could soon have a roof over their heads as a local non-profit organisation has stepped in to reconstruct their home.
Tragedy struck the Thomas family in 2021, when a fire engulfed their Katonkel Avenue home, leaving the family homeless and emotionally scarred.
The incident left them with nothing but the clothes on their backs and an uncertain future. The Genesis Apparel Foundation has since stepped in to rebuild the home and shelter the family.
During a previous conversation with the Rising Sun, homeowner, Natasha Thomas, recalled the day of the incident.
“I will not forget that cold day in 2021 at 3pm when I got that call saying that my house was on fire, literally going up in smoke. I was devastated, the fire brigade got there and managed to stop the fire, but my house was gone. The only item that was untouched was the Holy Bible. I am a single mum of three children and a grandmother, and was at a point of not knowing how I was going to see my family after this devastating incident,” said Thomas.
The director of the foundation, Nicholas Nico Johnson, said that they have been able to collect funds to complete the first phase of the rebuilding process.
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“We received acts of love through kindness from LivIn Design and Dayanand Consulting which assisted us from the very beginning with the plans and engineering aspects of the project. We have to thank our three main sponsors: Crossmed Pharmacy, Downtown Dispensary and Nuova vita Aesthetics, based in Parlock and Springfield. It is with great gratitude that the building material has landed on site and the foundation phase is about to commence,” he said.
Johnson further stated that there was a dire need for such acts of kindness in the neighbourhood riddled with social ills.
“With all the negativity surrounding Newlands, stemming from issues such as drugs and shootings, it brings us great joy as Newlands residents to see people unite for such a great cause,” said Johnson. This inspiring act of kindness will not only provide shelter but also restore hope to a family that has endured unimaginable challenges.
The Genesis Apparel Foundation is now hinging its hopes of completing the other phases of the home, which will roughly cost R150, 000 on the kindness of ordinary citizens and companies who will provide support and sponsorships.
Those who would like to assist in this endeavour may contact Nicholas Johnson on 081-336-0267 or email [email protected]
