We are still busy basking in the warm days, but at the back of our minds, we know winter is on the way, so this is how you can start preparing to help others.
South Africa (16 March 2022) – We are officially in autumn, and thankfully in Southern Africa, it still feels like summer, but the reality is that winter is not too far off. In fact, there have been a few days where the chill has caught us off guard.
It happens every year, one moment we are complaining about how hot it is and then all of a sudden, we are complaining about the cold.
Every year we feature various ways to give back during the colder months, and this year, we thought we would get ahead and help you and charities prep for the coming cold. Animals, the elderly, the homeless, and the vulnerable members of society are always affected by winter. There is so much we can do to help them get through it.
Support a Soup Kitchen.
The pandemic gave life to thousands of soup kitchens and feeding schemes. By supporting these places with food donations, financial donations or volunteering your time, you help someone go to sleep with a warm meal in their belly.
If you are looking for an organisation to support, check out our 2022 charity list here.
Knit a Blanket or Scarf.
Organisations like 67 Blankets for Mandela Day give people the chance to knit or crochet blankets and scarves that are then distributed to young and old throughout the winter season. If you have a passion for knitting, you can also knit warm blankets for your local animal welfare shelter or organisations that specialise in caring for babies.
Donate a Kennel.
There are several organisations that build dog kennels for animals in underprivileged communities. These kennels help shield animals from the harsh winter elements.
Kennels can be made from pallet wood or purchased and donated to a cause. Give your local animal welfare organisation a call and see if they are helping to provide shelter for dogs in need.
Collect Warm Clothing.
A warm pair of socks or gloves can be a real treat to someone that has to brave the elements at night. Go through all the wardrobes in your home and collect the warm items that can be donated. Call up your local charity, church or shelter and offer the warm items for their winter clothing drives.
Donate Blankets and Towels.
Blankets and towels are significant donations for all types of organisations. Animal welfare charities and shelters both need warm covering for the people and animals they work with.
If you have well-loved blankets or towels, see if there is an organisation that could do with the donations.
Pay for a Night at the Shelter.
There are many shelters around South Africa, and most require that people pay for their beds. You can make someone’s life easier by covering the very low cost for a night or two.
You can find a list of shelters via our 2022 charity list here. Should you want another form of inspiration, you can consider donating a Shelterbag to someone in need. You can find out more about the Shelterbag here.
Buy a Cup of Coffee.
There are coffee shops in South Africa that now offer a kindness system so you can purchase a coffee or tea, and someone in need gets the coffee or tea when they come in at a later stage.
This allows people a moment of warmth on chilly days and fills them with the spirit of kindness.
Pay Someone’s Winter Lay-by.
Hardworking people place things on lay-by, which they then pay off over time until they can have the goods. If you visit your local PEP and check for lay-bys containing winter uniform, baby clothing or winter clothes. Let the cashier know you would like to pay towards the lay-by, and should it be fully covered, they will call the person to notify them.
by 