A community have rallied together to help a Rugby legend’s family, after raging fires destroyed everything they owned.
Cape Town, South Africa – Dina Jacobs, a widow whose husband died tragically on a rugby field in August 2017, has lost everything in the recent fires in Masiphumelele.
Over 50 homes were destroyed in the October 2018 fires, and more than 150 people displaced. Dina and her three young children, who are still mourning the passing of their father, were one of the families who were left desolate after losing everything.
Their father, Steven “Stevovo” Jacobs played for Masiphumelele Rugby Club in Noordhoek but passed away after being seriously injured during a match. Steven, a carpenter from Fish Hoek, broke his C3 vertebrae during a match between Masiphumelele and Caledonian Roses. He was rushed to hospital where he was immediately placed on life support.
The 38-year-old, who played hooker, passed away a day later on the 14 August 2017 in Groote Schuur Hospital and left behind his wife and three children.
Since then Dina and the children have been trying to deal with life without their father, slowly picking up the pieces again but this tragedy has left them devastated. The family lost everything in the fires – their home as well as all their clothes, beds, furniture and household contents.
A Backabuddy crowdfunding campaign was set up to raise funds to make a difference in rebuilding their lives, and donations trickled in but sadly stopped 5 days later. The campaign was R23 000 away from it’s target and lay dormant for almost 4 months until Jawitz Properties stepped up and made a donation of R15 000 to the cause.
The company recently launched a campaign called #RealLifeRealEstate, where they showcased real stories from real South Africans, sharing the good things about living in our beautiful country. Lucas Radebe kicked the campaign off, while tackling the emotionally-compelling story of “what makes a house a home?”.
When the company heard about Dina’s story, they knew that they had to try help change her situation into a good thing, and immediately made the donation.
“Jawitz Properties are proud to contribute to helping you and your family rebuild your lives and home as part of our #RealLifeRealEstate. Best wishes in your journey ahead!”
The campaign has since been reignited with other individuals and corporates wanting to help the family. The crowdfunding campaign is gaining exposure again while other businesses like Cafe Roux in Noordhoek have stepped up and are assisting in collecting donations for them.
We rise by lifting others and in working together, the community, companies and individuals are helping this family get back on their feet again.
To get involved, for more info or to add to the donations, click here.
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