The decorations are up, the lunch invites have been sent out and the countdown to Christmas Day is in full swing. It should be emphasized, however, that if we have learned anything in the last couple of years, it's that we should all do our part to spread Christmas cheer by helping those in need. Making a difference to someone's life is the most rewarding feeling in the world.
Here are some of my favourite places to support over the holiday season in Cape Town. I just wish I could list everyone!
Santa Shoebox Project
Each year the Santa Shoebox Project collects and distributes personalised gifts of essential items and treats for underprivileged children throughout South Africa and Namibia. For those who enjoy packing up their own boxes, essential items such as toys, school supplies, and toiletries should be included. Once your box is packed, you can then register online to select your nearest drop-off point.
For those who are short on time, you can still pledge your support by purchasing a virtual box. As well as including all the essential items, you can also add on extras such as books, lunch boxes, and sanitary hygiene products.
Want to do something collectively as a team? Sign up for a 20-box team pledge and work together to pack and decorate your boxes. A great way to build team spirit!
Oscars Arc
Oscars Arc is a registered NPO born to inspire dog adoption and save dogs’ lives. It's named after Oscar, the adopted dog who became the only dog to ever travel around the world, to promote and inspire dog adoption.
If you love dogs and the work that these guys do, you can donate an amount of your choice via the banking details provided on their website. Or even better and certainly more unique, name a dog after someone or something you love and give a gift that helps save a life. A R500 donation will give you naming rights as well as the name being displayed on the Wall of Fame at adoption week for all to see.
Have a MySchool card? Be sure to swipe it every time you shop and add Oscars Arc to your beneficiaries so they can reap the benefits.
You can view the current line-up of available dogs for adoption at the WOOF Project Adoption Centre at SUPERWOOF or online at www.oscarsarc.org.
Ladles of Love
Ladles of Love started with one small soup kitchen serving soup to the homeless once a week on St. Georges Mall. Today, they serve hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children and families from their depots throughout the Cape region.
In order to be more sustainable and help communities support themselves, Ladles of Love now works to assist several non-profit organisations, community projects, and schools to establish kitchens where they are needed most.
By donating as little as R150 per month, you could provide a daily nourishing meal for someone in need. As well as donating and raising funds, you can also give back by donating groceries and sandwiches via your nearest depot.
Got some time on your hands and want to help out? Volunteer at one of their soup kitchens or sandwich hubs in the city. You can even register online.
Nazareth House
Nazareth House is a registered NPO that assists in the subsidisation of child and elderly care, supporting outreach projects and community work. Their children's homes provide specialist care for youth who have been neglected, abandoned, or who live with physical and intellectual disabilities. The care homes for the elderly provide quality of life and offer the residents the opportunity to live with dignity in an active community.
There are so many ways to support them in their work, such as volunteering, donating to and purchasing goods from one of their charity shops (located in Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Johannesburg), or partnering with them. You can also become part of the mission by helping them reach their goal of 20,000 donors pleading R100 per month.
Help those in need this Christmas by volunteering or donating.