The scenes of damage were hard to watch. Roads washed away, homes flooded and parts of the Kruger National Park were left scarred. Seeing this, the team at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre knew that standing by was not an option and immediately raised their hands to help, says the centre.

Acting Quickly, With Heart

After hearing Jacaranda FM launch its Good Morning Angels 'Project Flood Relief' initiative, Menlyn Park moved fast to be part of the response. Understanding how deeply these regions matter to its shoppers, the centre committed a cash donation of R250 000 to support immediate relief and recovery efforts, adds the centre.

"The devastation was overwhelming to see. These are places many of our shoppers know and love, and we felt a strong responsibility to step in and help in a way that could make a real difference," says Nisha Kemraj, Manager of Menlyn Park Shopping Centre.

When Shoppers Step Forward

Additional to the cash donation, Menlyn Park has opened three of its largest centre courts over the weekend to serve as convenient donation points for the Pretoria community, aimed at making it easy to donate without having to drive to the Jacaranda FM studio in Midrand, says the centre.

The response was heartfelt and immediate, with donations quickly filling the collection boxes. Shoppers arrived throughout the weekend with bags and boxes filled with essentials such as non-perishable food, bottled water, nappies and baby formula, adds the centre.

"All we did was open the doors and create the space," says Kemraj. "Our shoppers did the rest. Their generosity was deeply moving."

All donated items were delivered to Jacaranda FM in time for the station's coordinated delivery to flood-affected areas, in collaboration with Gift of the Givers, who are assisting to ensure that the support reaches those who need it most, adds the centre.

Through this collective effort, Menlyn Park has aimed to play its role as a place where care, kindness and action come together, concludes the centre.

For more information, visit www.menlynpark.co.za. You can also follow Menlyn Park Shopping Centre on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor