Our Endless Gratitude to Gift of the Givers for 33 Years of Love

Photo Credit: Good Things Guy

One leap of faith led to thousands in kindness – 33 years on, Gift of the Givers continues to make a real difference in South Africa and far beyond.

South Africa (07 August 2025) – Gift of the Givers just turned 33. True to form, the humanitarian organisation didn’t throw a party for itself. It gave back, again. Yesterday, as they celebrated their birthday, they were spotted at Athlone School for the Blind, doing what they do best.

From fires to floods, hungry bellies to water shortages, the green-shirted teams at Gift of the Givers have shown up time and time again with food, water, care, and hope in hand.

They’ve built bridges (figuratively and literally), tackled invasive species, fed firefighters, and brought relief to thousands after disasters. Still, they keep going.

Just last month, they were on the ground in Cape Town after flood devastation hit homes across the Western Cape. Earlier this year, they helped feed and aid 66 seniors in Bonteheuwel with dignity. When Komani ran dry, they helped bring back water. They’ve also tackled environmental threats and responded to fires in both Durban and Joburg. And so much more, not only in South Africa but across the continent and world.

All of it, as always, done with no expectation of a thank you.

Their origin story is one that deserves its own book.

They were born on 6 August 1992 in Istanbul, Turkey, through the spiritual instruction of Sufi Master Muhammed Safer Efendi Al Jerrahi. In his words, spoken directly to founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman:

“You will serve all people of all races, all religions, all colours, all classes, all cultures, of any geographical location and any political affiliation but you will serve them unconditionally expecting nothing in return, not even a thank you… This is an instruction for the rest of your life.”

That mission, 33 years later, remains unchanged but the impact continues to grow.

The organisation has now delivered more than R6 billion in aid across 47 countries. Most recently, it expanded into West Africa, setting up a base in Mali to distribute supplies to rural communities.

They do and go through it all with humility and unwavering purpose. We love them for it and couldn’t imagine a world without them and we’re endlessly proud of how far they have come.