For Cindy Norcott, hope has always carried weight – and this Christmas, every small donation can turn her book into dignity, joy and practical support for someone who needs it.
Durban, South Africa (18 October 2026) – More than two decades ago, Cindy Norcott was inspired to give back in a way that transforms every act of kindness into dignity, hope and opportunity. For 20 years, the Robin Hood Foundation has bridged the gap between those who want to give and those who need it most.
From blessing the elderly and making sandwiches for schoolchildren to supporting animal welfare charities and wrapping vulnerable new mothers and newborns in warmth, the Robin Hood Foundation has touched countless lives through its many inspiring initiatives and projects.
Cindy tells us one of her personal favourite projects is the Ethembeni Celebration of Life party. For one day each year, a funfair arrives at the school, and the Robin Hood team hosts a celebration filled with rides, delicious lunches, snacks, games, face painting and goodie bags, along with gifts for the teachers and much-needed equipment for the school.
“Several years ago, some of our volunteers raised funds to purchase seven brand new walkers. The children who make use of walkers made their way into the hall at the start of the party, dragging rusty, upturned, heavy desk-frames as makeshift walkers.”
Cindy says she will never forget the children’s squeals of delight and the excitement on their faces when they received their brand-new, lightweight alloy walkers. For the first time, they could race out of the hall as fast as they were able to move.
“This was a life-changing gift for them. Many of the children at this school are wheelchair bound. One of my favourite memories is watching the children swinging on the swings, high up in the air, feeling the wind in their hair and the sun on their faces, feeling free for the first time.”
Another project close to her heart is Bless a Granny, which has brought joy, connection and gifts to thousands of elderly residents in old-age homes at Christmas since 2008.
“Robin Hood gets the public to “bless” a granny or grandpa, and then the gifts are taken to the homes where the residents are treated to a party with music, singing, cakes, sausage rolls, tea and lots of chatting and dancing with our volunteers.
“At the end of the party, the residents leave with their Christmas gift bag. What makes me so emotional about this project is that, for many residents, this is the only gift they will receive all year. I have been reduced to tears hearing residents tell us that they look forward to this day all year and it is their best day. The requests are humble and heart-warming,” reflects Cindy, recalling how one granny once asked only for soap and a Kit-Kat.
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Moved and inspired by all she had witnessed and experienced, Cindy wrote a book titled “The Weight of Hope”, sharing the lessons she learned from running the NGO. The book carries a strong message of hope and encourages ordinary citizens to become givers.
Although it was launched in November last year, the book is now being used to drive meaningful change and give back to the communities the Robin Hood Foundation and Paw Prints serve – just in time for Christmas!
“I have made 800 copies of my book available to give for FREE to members of the public,” Cindy shares.
“All they need to do is drop off a small donation (valued at R80 or more) at my offices in Kloof over the next two months, and every donor will receive a FREE copy of my book (which retails at R250 per copy).”
Cindy believes the book is a gift that keeps on giving: it encourages people to give, while showing them how to do so responsibly and make a difference in their communities.
“In this tough economic climate, we are encouraging people to make a small contribution to one of two reputable and well-loved charities, and giving the public something of value in return. I really hope this initiative will encourage people who don’t usually give to make a difference.”
To support the drive, leave a donation at Cindy’s office at 2/3 Hilltop House, 5 Old Main Road, Kloof, 3610; call 031 265 2000; or email [email protected].
Sources: Cindy Norcott
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