People often look inwards for their goals in the new year, but one Woodstock couple has decided to take a very different approach to 2026.
Cape Town, South Africa (07 January 2026) – Instead of personal New Year’s resolutions, Morgan and his life partner, Pierre, have chosen something more outward-looking.
The couple’s goal this year is to help their community in Woodstock, particularly elderly residents, by fixing up the homes they’ve lived in for decades.
The couple have been living in the area for just over two and a half years, after spotting the rare opportunity to buy a small, liveable house at a price they could afford. Pierre, who Morgan describes as the social glue of the neighbourhood, quickly helped them feel at home.
“He’s always walking around, popping into the shops, chatting to people. He basically knows everyone,” he says. “Through him, I’ve met so many neighbours. When we moved in, someone even left us a welcome note explaining bin days and street parking. It really felt like a community.”
That sense of connection is what eventually sparked their community rejuvenation project for this year. They’re focusing on basic home repairs for residents who simply can’t manage them anymore. Little fixes that make a big difference.
Many of Woodstock’s elderly residents have lived in their homes for decades. While the houses are rich in history, maintaining them on a pension or limited income is often impossible.
“For me, elderly people are the most vulnerable,” Morgan says. “They’re not as mobile anymore. You can’t expect someone to climb onto a roof, fix a loose panel, or repaint a gate when they’re older.”
The idea grew from small acts of neighbourliness. Morgan and Pierre’s next-door neighbours, a family of nine children, lost their mother just a month ago. Since then, the couple have been helping where they can. Painting a front gate, decorating bedrooms for the girls, and fixing small things around the house.
“They didn’t ask, we just offered,” Morgan says. “With nine kids, things are tight. Sometimes small changes can make a place feel lighter.”
On his daily walk with their dog Pickle, Morgan started noticing other homes too. Beautiful old houses that didn’t need major renovations, just a bit of care. Being a DIY wizard, he realised that making a difference might not be outside of his ballpark.
“A lick of paint, sanding a gate, fixing a floor – small things that make such a big difference.”
That’s where the idea of restoring dignity comes in. Your surroundings impact your quality of life.
“For me, dignity is about things working and looking decent,” he explains. “If your surroundings are functional and cared for, your life feels a bit more functional too. There’s pride in where you live.”
Both Morgan and Pierre work full-time. Morgan works for an international software development company, so the project will take place after hours and over weekends, with help from friends and volunteers.
Importantly, the initiative isn’t asking for money.
“I don’t want cash donations at all,” Morgan says. “I want goods. Paint, wood, tools. Things people already have lying unused in their garages.”
As the project grows, Morgan has plans to build a simple website where residents will be able to submit requests for the help they need.
“I want people to be able to log what needs fixing, whether it’s paint, flooring, or a small repair,” he explains. “Then I can direct donations towards our community’s needs.”
It started with the belief that helping others is a far better resolution than helping yourself.
“We’re fortunate,” Morgan says. “We may not have a lot, but we have more than most. Why not give back?”
Those who would like to donate unused paint, tools, wood, or building materials can get in touch with Morgan directly by following this link.
Sources: GTG Interview
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