The Bless a Granny and Grandpa initiative has hit the road, with dozens of elderly people in Durban and surrounds already feeling the festive love! This year, the team will visit 24 old age homes before Christmas!
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (11 November 2026) – Every year, hundreds of grannies and grandpas who live in old age homes across Durban and surrounds look forward to one very special day…
The day the team from South Africa’s Robin Hood Foundation arrives to spread festive cheer and care in their home!
The organisation is in its sixteenth year of running the initiative, which makes the elderly feel remembered, valued and loved over the festive period.
As it visits homes across the country, the team brings with it gifts, games, music, joy and treats that bring the magic back into Christmas for those who spend their holidays in frail care. It is an especially lonely time of year for those who do not spend it with loved ones – visits like these can bring tremendous joy and happiness.
Two years ago, the team reached 18 old age homes across Durbs. Last year, it reached 20. This year, the team will be spreading festive cheer at 24 homes across the city and surrounds, distributing close to 3000 presents!
The Robin Hood team conducts the visits, but it is ordinary South Africans who make the magic happen.
Each year, hundreds of elderly people receive a gift wrapped especially for them. This is made possible through a pledge system where supporters choose to bless a granny or grandpa (or several). Each gift falls within the range of R250 to R300, and each beneficiary supplies a wish list of the items they need or want. The organisation also shares a list of items that make up a generic gift for those who do not have a wish list. Once the items are shopped for and wrapped, they are dropped off by donors. The organisation then distributes the prezzies throughout its Bless a Granny and Grandpa roadshow.
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The team has already begun its visits, and many of the gifts have already been distributed to grannies and grandpas at Flame Lily Frail Care, Stranraer House, St Martin’s Village, Thembela Home, Tuinsig Garden View Old Age Home, and Cheshire Home.
It’s the most exciting time of year for many of the grannies and grandpas who are blessed with a visit and a gift.
“For many of the Grannies and Grandpas we visit, Christmas can be a very lonely time. Many have little family support and very limited means. A gift that might seem small to us can mean the absolute world to them,” the organisation shares.
“You don’t need to do something extraordinary. You simply need to do something thoughtful. Take a name. Buy a few things. Wrap them with care. And know that somewhere, someone will open that gift and be reminded that they have not been forgotten.”
Getting involved is easy, and every gift makes a real difference.
How to Bless a Granny or Grandpa
1. Choose How Many Wishes You’d Like to Fulfil
Email the Robin Hood Foundation and let them know how many Grannies or Grandpas you’d like to bless this Christmas.
2. Receive Their Wish List
You’ll be sent the name of your Granny or Grandpa, their Christmas wish list, a printable gift tag and all the details you need.
3. Shop with Love
Spend around R250 to R300 on their requested gifts, place everything in a gift bag, complete the gift tag and attach it securely to the outside.
4. Drop It Off
Deliver your beautifully wrapped gift to one of the designated drop-off points (shared below), and the Robin Hood Foundation will make sure it reaches your Granny or Grandpa in time for Christmas.
Alternatively, you can create a generic gift bag filled with everyday essentials and festive treats, or make a R300 donation and the team will shop on your behalf. Every contribution helps bring joy, comfort and dignity to an elderly person this festive season!
Drop-Off Points
Nielson Academy of Learning
1 Commonage Rd, entrance on Hospital Rd, Hillcrest
031 765 8823 | 8:30 am–5:30 pm
CGA Agencies
235 Underwood Road, Pinetown
031 708 1018 | 8 am–4 pm
Broadway Pharmacy
5 Swapo Road, Durban North
031 563 2816 | 9 am–7 pm
Dormehl Phalane Real Estate
8 Old Main Road, Gillitts
082 726 1956 | 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Washwell Granada Laundry
16 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga
083 299 4008 | 7:30 am–4 pm
Dormehl Elite
Shop 1, Gordana Gardens, 22 Salisbury Ave, Westville
031 266 9091 | 8 am–4 pm
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