Charity Begins With Me is turning Christmas into an opportunity for hope, giving and brighter futures! Founder Stephan is rallying the public to help provide school supplies, soft toys and festive joy to children who need it most.
Johannesburg, South Africa (06 September 2026) – Christmas may still be a few months away, but Charity Begins With Me (CBWM) is already preparing to make it a truly special one for the children it supports.
In addition to running weekly feeding schemes and educational initiatives for children from underprivileged informal settlements across Johannesburg, CBWM founder Stephan Ferreira goes out of his way to make sure they are not left out of the magic of Christmas because of their circumstances.
Knowing that Christmas is not always a festive time for many children from informal settlements, Stephan coordinates a massive Christmas donation drive and year-end party each year ahead of the festive season, aimed at supporting about 1,000 children in need.
This year is no different. He is currently reaching out to the kindness and generosity of the greater public, asking people to remember these children the next time they pop into the store, sort through things they no longer use or consider giving back to a worthy cause.
“We are doing BACK TO SCHOOL for Christmas this year,” he shared excitedly online, inviting people to donate school supplies that will make up the greater part of the Christmas gifts given to the children.
“We are slowly but surely getting ready for Christmas. If you want to buy something special and meaningful for Christmas this year, please consider a pack of pens, pencils, crayons, or even just a new eraser. We cannot expect children to do well in school if they do not even have access to the basics.”
Stephan is collecting new or gently used stationery, roughly 250 soft toys, as well as non-perishable treats for the Christmas packs.
“While the older kids get a variety of stationery, the younger kids also deserve spoils. We will be putting packs together with colouring books, crayons and other small goodies for them.”
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Bishops Boys Are Building a Recycled Soccer Pitch for a School in Athlone!So, go ahead and clean out those cupboards, empty those school bags or buy something new if you can, to help make this Christmas one that not only brings smiles but also sets young people up for a brighter future.
Donations can be dropped off in Fairland or sent via courier. For more information, visit the Charity Begins With Me Facebook page.
Sources: Charity Begins With Me
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