Fed up with the constant rain keeping you in a constant state of praying for things to dry? Us too! But charities are feeling it hardest, so this is how we can all lend a helping hand; one washing load at a time.
South Africa (09 April 2025) – It has been raining in most parts of South Africa, endlessly, for months on end. Most of South Africa is at its wits’ end (it’s me, I am at my wits’ end), and summer has seemingly been overcast, wet, and miserable. It makes one wonder which country they really live in, because this weather is so foreign to us all.
It feels wrong to pray for the rain to stop, but if we could just have one full day of sunshine so that we can dry out, that isn’t a big ask.
I recently shared a weather rant on my community group, and while it was very well-received, I still felt like I needed to say more. The initial rant came from feeling frustrated that it takes 36 hours to dry anything, and then, it inevitably smells of damp. Splashed with elements of humour, I reckon the community really enjoyed it. BUT while it may have smelled of damp… it also screams of privilege, which hasn’t sat right with me.
I was speaking with a local charity that has been affected by the rain. The founder has just about given in as running a charity, especially one catered to protecting children, means washing… Lots of washing! She shared that this week alone, she has had to wash and rewash baby clothes, blankets, towels, and all the paraphernalia that comes with running a baby sanctuary to the tune of 70 loads! Yes, 70.
And it got me thinking. While I can hang my damp towels and washing in my spare room and close the door, others can’t. So how do we address that? Well, one simple act of kindness at a time!
Gauteng may be in the thick of torrential downpours and flooding now, but the Cape winter is on the way, and this reality is about to be theirs too, so we can confidently say this list is a great help to all South Africans.
Do a load to reduce the load!
If you have a washer and dryer, some time on your hands and a few extra units to spare, reach out to a cause close to your heart and offer a helping hand. This can be an animal shelter, baby sanctuary, old-aged home, homeless shelter or any organisation where humans and animals are trying to stay dry.
The same applies to the staff who work in your homes; many South African labourers and workers are trudging home in the pouring rain, getting soaked to the bone. There most definitely isn’t time for their essential clothing and shoes to dry overnight – so offer to dry a load and make life that much easier for your household team.
Donate your unused blankets and towels.
We all have a blanket or set of towels in the cupboard that we don’t use. Animal shelters really need these items now that Autumn and Winter are on the way. Blankets also help keep people warm – so if you have anything to spare, be the difference!
Umbrellas, Sturdy Shoes and Waterproof Jackets Help!
It may not be spring, but a spring clean of your wardrobe can really help keep others stay warm this winter. Think jackets, jerseys, warm socks, gloves, scarves and even an umbrella. These items go a very long way in keeping people warm and as dry as possible.
Souped Up and Ready to Go!
The fastest way to warm up a person is to feed them a nourishing, warm and hearty meal. Whether you hand out soup sachets, bags/jars of hope or donate to a soup kitchen, keeping people nourished takes a big bite out of the bitter cold.
A warm cup of tea or coffee for the car-guard watching your precious wheel is a welcome treat too. Having done this one many times, seeing the guys clutch onto the warmth of a coffee, as they guide you out of your spot, will totally warm you inside.
If you are interested in bags/jars of hope, they are an inexpensive way to help. Read more here.
Wooly-wares.
While weather-appropriate clothing has already been discussed, many organisations are also in need of wool to make woolly items such as blankets, beanies and scarves. If you have wool to donate, there is an organisation ready to accept the donation.
Knitters are ready and waiting to turn your donation into something warm for others.
There are many other ways we can help people and animals ease into winter, so if we missed a way to help, let us know in the comment section!
Looking for causes to support, you can find all our charity lists here. Whether you are looking for an animal shelter in your province, organisations caring for the elderly or a list of homeless shelters, we have got you, and those in need, covered!
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