Peers rally around flood-stricken franchisees

Provender has set up a special fund to help franchisees Nothando and Mthandazo Ndebele who were left with almost nothing after their Westport home was flooded. When the couple, who arrived in New Zealand 14 years ago from Zimbabwe, returned to their home after being evacuated, they found water a metre deep and all their belongings soaked. 'We don't know if we'll be able to live in it again,' Nothando told Stuff, which covered the family's plight in this news story.

Philip Horrocks of Provender says, 'Nothando and her husband have lost almost everything, which is a tragedy for such a hard-working and popular couple. Their fellow franchisees have rallied round raising money and putting together care packages, along with their suppliers and customers too, so we're doing our best to help them get back on their feet.

'Nothando and Mthandazo always have a smile on their faces - the picture was taken at our Hawaii Conference in 2018 - but this has really knocked them back. We have set up a dedicated bank account for assistance, and we're inviting everyone we can to contribute.

'If you'd like to help, the account is at 03-0259-0189447-90 - put Name & Westport in the details.'