The Sharks have announced a KwaZulu-Natal relief campaign that has started with a R1-million contribution in an effort to rebuild and feed communities affected by the recent civil unrest.

While KwaZulu-Natal has been devastated by the unrest, the outpouring of generosity and the commitment to work together to rebuild the province has been nothing short of inspirational.

To this end, the Sharks, along with the help of shareholder MVM Holdings, have committed a starting contribution of R1m towards a #handsofhope campaign aimed at rebuilding the province by uplifting communities and peoples’ livelihoods.

“#handsofhope is a message of positivity with the focus on achieving good and to show what we, as South Africans, can achieve when we join hands to work together for a common cause. The Sharks are currently in conversation with the Kolisi Foundation and Beast Foundation to assist with the implementation of the vision of this campaign.

“We encourage our stakeholders and fans to get involved and donate where they can. The needs are huge, there is no denying that, but the goodwill in our communities is unlimited and together we can make a larger impact in as many communities as possible,” a statement read.

Speaking about the campaign launch, Sharks CEO Dr Eduard Coetzee said: “Identifying and rebuilding community infrastructure will assist in the creation of jobs, which is a sustainable effort.

“We hope that with a phased approach like this, we will be able to reach as many people as possible in KZN, alongside the selfless efforts of others who have shown such generosity of spirit, to rebuild this province.

“Our relief efforts have been strengthened with a substantial contribution from MVM Holdings, led by the extraordinary Marco Masotti, who are committed to seeing our beautiful province thrive and I cannot thank them enough for always being by our side and willing to assist.

“Ubuntu speaks of the spirit of community, of the engagement of us all and the rewarding influences that positive actions produce. The more hands that are involved, the more lives that are touched and enriched the greater the rebuilding will become.

“We therefore call on our stakeholders and fans to contribute, where possible,” added Coetzee.

The #handsofhope campaign will take on a three-phased approach designed to achieve the aims to create hope and sustainability.

• A soup kitchen will be run for 10 days, feeding 1,000 people daily at Jonsson Kings Park

• The Sharks, together with the generosity of their stakeholders will look at rebuilding as many shops or community facilities within communities that have been decimated or affected by looting

• The distribution of essential foodstuffs to communities in dire need of assistance.