Christmas only comes around once a year. Along with it, a list of incredible organisations looking to make the festive season special for those without families to celebrate with.
Durban (08 October 2025) – Making its return this year is the Robin Hood Foundation’s Bless a Granny & Grandpa initiative that brings the festive spirit to 2,500 elderly residents in sub-economic and state-funded old age homes across Durban.
Last year, they reached 18 homes. This year, they’re upping it to 20.
Each year, the organisation collects Christmas prezzies across five pick up points in Durban, where their elves (ie. you, the donors) have dropped off gift bags for designated grannies and grandpas. The prezzies are then delivered to old age homes by the team at Robin Hood.
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 these Grannies and Grandpas, it’s the only gift they’ll receive all year — and sometimes, we may be their only visitor. That’s why these visits are always described as their favourite day of the year,” shares the team.
While many of us are privileged to spend the festive season around family, others aren’t. Drives like this one bring a little bit of light to deserving people at the loneliest time of their year.
Sound like something good to get behind? Follow these steps to get involved.
1. Make a Wish
Make a pledge on how many grannies and/or grandpas you would like to buy a Christmas wish for by popping an email to info@robinhoodfoundation.co.za.
2. Receive a Wish
The organisation will get back to you with your designated Grannies and Granpas’ names, their Christmas wish list, printable tags, and delivery date.
3. Fulfil a Wish
Shop for your grannies and grandpas to the value of R250–R300. Place their gift in a gift bag. Fill in the gift tag provided with their name, residence, room number and firmly attach to the outside of your gift bag.
4. Deliver a Wish
Lastly drop off your gift bag at the following points in Durbs:
- CGA Agencies, 235 Underwood Road, Pinetown (031 708 1018) – 8:00am – 4:00pm
- Broadway Pharmacy, 5 Swapo Road, Durban North (031 563 2816) – 9:00am – 7:00pm
- Wool n Weave, Lillies Quarter, Old Main Road, Hillcrest (031 765 2770) – 9:00am – 4:00pm
- Dormehl Phalane Real Estate, 8 Old Main Road, Gillitts (082 726 1956) – 8:30am – 4:30pm
- Washwell Grandma Laundry, 16 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga (083 299 4008) – 7:30am – 4:30pm
If you would like to make a cash donation for gifts, you are welcome to deposit R250 and the Robin Hood team will purchase the gifts on your behalf. Include your name and ‘Bless a Granny’ as a reference. Bank details here.
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