Plea for donations after fire gutted Cafda warehouse

Cape Flats Development Association (CAFDA) staff enjoying the official opening of the Wynberg store.

A callous arson attack has left an organisation desperate for donations and assistance.

The Cape Flats Development Association (CAFDA) is appealing for donations of any kind after their warehouse was burgled and torched at the Cafda premises in Boundary Road, Philippi, on Wednesday February 27.

The warehouse was used to store all donations that would eventually be sent out to Cafda stores to generate income for the 75-year-old organisation.

The funds generated contribute towards the sustainability of the organisation which offers statutory services, foster care services, HIV/Aids support services, skills development, sustainable livelihood programmes, arts and crafts as well as a junior resource centre and seniors’ support services.

The security guard, who also lives on the premises, was woken up at about 4am on Wednesday morning by the burglars who hit him on the head with an object.

It is not certain what the criminals took because before they left they set the warehouse alight

Ashley Small, Cafda facility manager, said this could have been a distraction for them to get away.

“They broke through the window and when the security guard realised something was happening he came outside and was attacked by the burglars”.

Bradley Jones, Cafda trading manager, made a plea for more stock.

“We had just received goods such as printers and office furniture that was going to go to the Retreat merchandise store. We bring the donated goods to the warehouse to be sorted and then sent off to be sold. Now we need more stock to take to the shop to generate funds. Also now we have to store goods in another location. It will also cost money to rebuild the warehouse.

“We are appealing to people to donate any goods such as clothing, furniture, office equipment, toys, books and any other items for us to restock our warehouse and raise much needed funds for our organisation. The funny thing is that the same beneficiaries who get help from the funds that are generated
are the same people who cripple us in this manner. That’s the sad reality.”

Anyone with information about the incident can call Philippi police station on 021 690 1500.

To donate, contact CAFDA on 021 7062050 or ínfo@cafda.co.za