VW, Ford, Hyundai assist with disaster relief efforts

Hyundai Automotive South Africa and Hyundai Motor Company of South Korea have donated R1.5 million towards relief efforts for residents of KwaZulu-Natal who were severely affected by the recent floods in the province.

The donation, in the form of a cheque, was handed to Gift of the Givers Foundation today, 26 April 2022, at the Hyundai Umhlanga dealership.

At the same occasion, another donation of R1.5 million rand was handed to Gift of the Givers by Motus Corporation, holding company of Hyundai Automotive SA, which brings the total contribution to R3 million. The bulk of the donated money will go towards acquiring material to help flood victims rebuild homes and places of residence that were damaged or washed away.

“The losses and suffering owing to the floods in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) are of a scale unseen in recent times in South Africa. There was no doubt in our minds that we had to contribute to the relief effort in the province by this donation to Gift of the Givers, which has vast experience and many successes in relief and rebuilding operations of this kind,” says Niall Lynch, CEO of Hyundai Automotive SA.

“Hyundai Motor Company of South Korea is equally concerned about the disaster in KZN and has combined with us to make this contribution possible. We trust that the funds donated in this collaborative effort will be put to good use to improve the lives and circumstances of people who have lost homes, all their possessions and modes of transport,” says Lynch.

The latest donation to Gift of the Givers for relief in flood-ravished areas in KwaZulu-Natal forms part of an ongoing collaborative corporate social investment programme of Hyundai Automotive SA, official importer and distributor of Hyundai vehicles in South Africa, and the Hyundai Motor Company with non-government organisations (NGOs) in the country.

Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has donated R2 million to the Gift of the Givers Foundation, to support the organisation’s efforts to provide disaster relief and humanitarian aid to the victims of devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal.

The donation will be utilised to support distressed individuals and communities through humanitarian relief aid such as water, food and care packs. It will also go towards funding the repair of damaged infrastructure, schools, early childhood development centres and clinics in affected areas.

Furthermore, VWSA will encourage its employees to contribute to Gift of the Givers’ efforts through an online platform for donations to the organisation.

“Our company believes in solidarity in a crisis, especially when there is a humanitarian emergency that requires swift action to provide aid to vulnerable individuals and communities,” said Nonkqubela Maliza, Director of Corporate and Government Affairs at VWSA. “Gift of the Givers is an experienced organisation when it comes to providing such humanitarian aid; they have people on the ground who will ensure that relief aid is urgently provided where it is needed most.

The Ford Motor Company, also through its Ford Motor Company Fund, provided R370 000 in aid to Gift of the Givers to assist communities worst-hit by the floods.

The Ford Motor Company Fund is the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company and provides access to resources and opportunities that build equity and empower underserved and underrepresented communities to reach their highest potential.

Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company Africa, says: “The scale of this disaster has been almost beyond description. We knew immediately that we had to help the victims, and Gift of the Givers has shown that it’s agile and effective in dealing with such tragedies.”

Hill explains that the R370 000 grant will be used for much-needed humanitarian relief aid to flood stricken communities. The aid, which comprises food parcels, water, mattresses, blankets and care packs, is being distributed to communities displaced and stricken by the devastating deluge of water. Gift of the Givers will, in addition, provide dozens of food hampers to displaced communities.

Ford is further assisting dealerships in the affected areas directly through grocery vouchers and fresh water and has provided vehicles to organisations needing mobility to provide relief.

Hill adds: “Immediately when news of the disaster broke, our employees and those in the extended Ford family were eager to know how they could help, so we’re encouraging them to donate directly to Gift of the Givers as well. It’s a drive that’s quickly gained momentum and one we’re proud of.”