Deb Zelezniak is highlighting the importance of making resolutions that give back in 2025; being in the charity sphere, she has some key insights to share.
South Africa (14 January 2025) – The most popular New Year’s resolutions for 2025 included saving money (26%), exercising more (22%), and adopting healthier eating habits (20%). Although 5% of individuals sought to be better people, helping others didn’t make the cut this year.
Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project, highlights how contributing to others’ well-being can improve our own happiness and mental health, which were resolutions for 22% and 17% of individuals, respectively.
“We’ve all heard that ‘it’s better to give than receive’, but scientific studies back this up. For example, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) reports that performing acts of kindness can help lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety, boost life satisfaction and raise self-esteem.”
“Volunteering, which encourages connections with others, also offers significant mental health benefits, including stress relief, a sense of belonging, heightened self-worth, and the opportunity to share positive experiences. What’s more, volunteers tend to enjoy longer lives,” she points out.
To help South Africans achieve meaningful goals in 2025, Zelezniak calls on all to volunteer a few hours with the organisation and experience the true joy of giving.
“Our efforts begin in February when we need coordinators to manage drop-off centres nationwide. From October, our busiest period, we’ll require even more hands on deck as gifts for underprivileged children in South Africa and Namibia come flooding in. All you need is a friendly smile, strong organisational skills, reliable transport, and regular access to a computer, the internet, and WhatsApp.”
“With the help of over 500 volunteers, we reached 74,751 children last year. In 2025, we aim to impact 80,000 lives, and we need your help to make it happen. By volunteering, you’ll not only bring joy to the children but also experience the personal rewards of giving back,” she concludes.
Looking for ways to give back? You can check our charity lists here to find the perfect organisations here.
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