While the cold season is my favourite time of year, it is undoubtedly a very difficult period for many. Especially the vulnerable and less fortunate. It is important that we care for our communities and offer warmth for those suffering this Winter season.
If I’ve missed any organisation dear to you, please leave their details in the comments below. ✨️💖
READ MORE: The call for help echoes on, as heavy rains batter Cape Town
Here are some local organisations and charities you should support this chilly season: be it financially, through blanket or food donations, or volunteer work.
Hope SA Foundation
They aim to aleviate poverty and Gender-Based Violence through education and disaster relief. Their website showcases their many initiatives which includes distributing food hampers, self defense classes for women and feeding schemes.
Siyabonga Africa
This local NPO is dedicated to eradicating poverty in South Africa. Their aim is to go beyond providing meals and blankets and basic necessities to those who are destitute – “Our ultimate aim is to create environments and opportunities that enable people to find their way out of poverty.” According to their website, they have developed many prgrammes aimed at uplifting people who “have potential but lack opportunity to bacome self supporting”.
Check out their Facebook page today!
C.A.S.T (The Church Alliance for Social Transformation
A faith-based NPO based in Durban, which is committed to through working with local churches to uplift impoverished communities. “We have served in marginalised and excluded communities through local churches for the past 16 years.”
If you believe their mission and want to support their community outreach efforts, consider supporting CAST today!
Domestic Animal Rescue Group
“DARG is a pro-life, non-profit organisation that rescues, cares for, sterilises and re-homes previously abused, neglected, and abandoned cats and dogs.”
This organisation will always have a warm spot in my heart, as I spent a number of days volunteering here with my high school back in Grade 10(?).
And if you’re looking for a new thrifting spot, check out their Book Shack or the Garage Shop, which offers second-hand books, clothing, and various bric-a-brac to the public.
Mustadafin Foundation
Their vision is to empower people to “achieve self-sufficiency, self-reliance, and independence.” This NPO is based in the Western Cape, and they assist destitute communities through various efforts such as health care programs, feeding schemes, education, and skills development.
You can donate online or volunteer your time via their website. The Mustadafin Foundation also offers aid to people affected by disasters. Following this recent cold front, it is important that we assist where we can.
The Salvation Army
A worldwide organisation governed by Christian values. They have many sites in South Africa and work to uplift the poor, the marginalised and the neglected.
You can support their various efforts by visiting their website and learning more. Their efforts include providing safe spaces for children who have suffered emotional trauma or who were abused. They also support elderly people through care centres or programs (food distribution or assisting with daily life).
Donate today to the Salvation Army.
Rise Against Hunger
A global organisation that delivers meals and aid to vulnerable communities during times of crisis. According to their website, they also “partner with local leaders to implement sustainable agriculture and income-generating projects…”
Their goal is to empower communities, children, and adults through education, projects, and nutrition.
And if you’d like to support them through hosting a packaging event. You can find the details for that right here.
Islamic Relief South Africa
“Saving Lives Since 1984”. A beloved NGO that was founded in the UK and has since been working with communities to provide strength during times of distress and offer vital aid during emergencies.
“Inspired by our Islamic faith and guided by our values, we envisage a caring world where communities are empowered, social obligations are fulfilled, and people respond as one to the suffering of others.”
Their work across the world is commendable – especially their efforts in countries like Palestine and Sudan – which you can support today.
National Sea Rescue Institute
“The only nationwide service of its kind…” Manned by a volunteer crew, the NSRI provides an important rescue service to those who find themselves in difficulty while in our coastal and inland waters.
And when it floods, they come to the rescue!
Having gone through a near drowning experience, I do not wish for anyone to suffer – or experience fear or pain – at the sea. According to the NSRI’s website, they believe that “each life lost means a family and a community in distress.” If you want to keep our oceans safer, consider supporting them today.
Sidewalk Specials
A doggie-focused NPO based in De Doorns that focuses on empowering townships families to care for their pets, “rather than simply removing them.”
Sidewalk Specials offers mass sterilisation clinics to control overpopulation, outreach efforts to educate and spread awareness, and free vet care!
They are also passionate about rehoming dogs who have endured abuse or neglect. And even assisted in proving free kennels for doggies who have been sterilised.
While we should always extend a hand to our fellow brothers and sisters who are struggling this winter, let’s not forget the furry friends, too!
Hope you liked this post. If you have organisations that are near to your heart, please share their details in the comments.
Stay warm and stay safe, folks! 💙❤️💚
GirlOnTheBus 