With so many charities in need of public support in our country, the idea of donations has become something many of us get overwhelmed by. But, what if money isn’t all that counts? Here are 5 ways to make donations beyond cash:
South Africa (12 September 2024) — With so many charities in need of support in South Africa, many of us find ourselves in a tug-of-war of emotions. On the one hand, the growth of the charitable sector means a lot of kind-hearted people are taking action, which is fantastic. On the other, these charities need public support to keep doing the good they do, and even those of us with the best intentions simply feel we cannot afford to do so, especially at a time when going to the supermarket seemingly sees the price of eggs increase with each shop. Being asked for donations becomes overwhelming when we associate it with money. But what if money isn’t all that counts?
Take Lizelle Steenkamp who recently helped the SPCA Rustenburg out recently with a few brooms. A kind donation that undoubtedly has helped make a practical difference.
Or the people who donate pre-loved goods to charity shops that bring in funds for numerous organisations across our country?
In fact, the concept of donation is a much bigger term than what it’s associated with. In light of this, here are five ways to make out-of-the-box donations:
1. Items You Already Own
From old electronics to clothes hidden away in the back of the closet, most of us have items we don’t use that are rarely put to use anymore. Depending on their condition, they could be given a new lease on life when donated to an organisation!
Taking Care of Business’ repair programme is always on the look-out for old electronics, while our charity shops list will provide a great resource for where to send pre-loved clothes. Even old instruments have their place in the charitable ecosystem.
And if you’re not sure what you have would be useful, you can also contact a charity of your choice in a nearby area and ask them what they need directly. Chances are, you probably have something on hand already!
2. Connections
Connections might seem like an odd take on donations, but here us out. Like the recent story of Siphiso who received a life-changing successful surgery recently, it was connecting with the Angel Network that made all the difference for him.
When we see people struggling and asking us for food or money we might not have to give, sometimes the best thing we can do is connect them to organisations that can give them a hand up, and often a sustainable one.
You can go through all our charity lists, here.
And in the case of charities that need connections—if you see a post on a charity’s page that you support and know someone who can assist, simply make the connection happen! There is great honour in being the middleman in these cases.
3. Time
Time is one of the best donations you can make to a charity. Whether it’s volunteering your time to help Ladles of Love serve the hungry, or opting to help PAWs-a-While as they help dogs get adopted; sometimes reaching out to a charity close to your heart and simply asking how you can donate your time in their best interest goes a long way.
4. Creativity
If you didn’t think you could donate your creativity, think again.
Crocheters and knitters have made a massive difference across a board of needs—from orphaned rhinos and elephants to destitute people and children fighting illness alike. Artists and writers also contribute richly to projects like Book Dash, all kinds of creatives have made the Night of 1000 Drawings a success, and bakers also use their creative skills in the kitchen to help children with cancer.
If any of these sound right up your ally, you can find links for them down below:
- Causes for knitters and crocheters to support
- Book Dash
- Night of 1000 Drawings
- Cupcakes of Hope
5. Awareness
Even awareness is a form of donation!
It’s the kind that’s helped find animals homes, has made fundraising campaigns successful and helped people in need get connected to those who can help them.
Awareness is perhaps the one donation everyone is capable of giving—from simply spreading the word to your community or being loud about a cause close to your heart online.
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