Knysna and surrounds, part of the magical Garden route in South Africa, were ravaged by fire earlier this month. Approximately 500 homes were lost, with an estimated 7000 people unemployed as a result of the fires. June is my birthday month, and I'd like to dedicate my birthday funds to starting an AUD collection to be given to Knysna Rotary Fire Fund at the end of July 2017. The Knysna Totary Fire Fund provides assistance to fire victims according to their specific needs.There is an application and verification process which ensures that funds and assistance go to the fire victims themselves. Applications to date have included assistance with rebuilding homes, school uniforms for children, basic home furnishings and replacement of crafters tools. The community has come together, strangers helping strangers; the area officially declared a disaster zone, but the scale of assistance required is vast and expensive. All donations, will be gratefully received, with an update posted once my collection closes at the end July and total funds transferred to Knysna Rotary Fire Fund.