12 Days of Christmas? 12 (+1) Ways to Make a Difference.
The last few days have shaken us all deeply. I'm sure that like me, you swing between extreme depression about the state of the world and an obsession with counting your blessings and telling those nearest and dearest how much you love them. I'm sure also, like me, you wonder how on earth you can make a difference other than signing online petitions and sharing informative or love-filled videos on Facebook. But I've been thinking, can we fill the world with love at this time of year by making a meaningful contribution to our communities instead of spending too much money on useless stuff we don't need, and forget about by 27 December anyway? So, inspired by this New York Times article about meaningful Christmas gifts, I compiled a similar list for myself and my South African friends, as a way for us to do something of meaning in the place we call home (or in my case, where large pieces of my heart still live to watch over friends and family in my physical absence). Here are some awesome causes and real ways to make a difference this Christmas:
Sponsor a Playgroup:
For R25, you can sponsor a playgroup anywhere in South Africa (you can choose which one). Your money will provide a child with an early learning lesson, a nutritious snack, a cooked meal as well as the services of a nurse and social worker for one day. http://www.cotlands.org.za/sponsor-playgroup/
Twenty-four year-old Philani Dladla gained fame on Facebook by offering commuters book reviews in exchange for donations. Dubbed ‘The Pavement Bookworm’, Philani’s story has gained international attention – which he hopes to channel into real support for his literacy project and Book Reader’s Club for underprivileged children in Johannesburg. You can help by donating books or sponsoring a specific child. http://www.pavementbookworm.co.za/get-involved/
Adopt a Cot:
For just R100 a month, you can help raise an orphaned baby at TLC Children's Home in Johannesburg. Alternatively donate items to help such as nappies and formula, or even a few hours of your time. http://www.tlc.org.za
Help an Aging Actor:
The Theatre Benevolent Fund provides monthly grants, covers health care and funeral costs and gives support to ageing and struggling members of the theatre community. In their words, "Your money can, in a very real and realistic way, help remind the people who once delighted you with their God-given talents that they aren’t completely forgotten." You can make a donation at http://tbf-sa.co.za/support/
Help a Young Girl Manage her Period with Ease:
The Inkululeko Project meaning “Freedom” addresses the issue of absenteeism of female learners due to lack of sanitary products. Girls are missing up to 50 days of school a year, so providing them with a MyownCup ensures a sustainable, re-usable sanitary solution. R150 gives one girl her own menstrual cup, as well as training to use the cup, and education around all feminine issues including safe sex, pregnancy prevention etc by a community member. To donate a cup, contact cara@myowncup.co.za
Sponsor a Guide Dog Puppy:
Get your extended family together and donate R5000 to the training of a Guide Dog puppy for a whole year. http://www.guidedog.org.za/sponsor-a-working-dog/
Give the kids at Girls and Boys Town a Memorable December Holiday:
Their eight registered Children's Homes – four large Youth Development Centres and four community 'family' homes – offer residential care to children whose own families cannot cope and who don't do well in foster care. Donate any amount and tick the box to say what you'd like the money used for. https://wscp-99.cybersmart.co.za/gbtown/give.asp
Help an Abandoned Baby:
Door of Hope Children's Mission is in need of supllies to care for the babies who are dropped off through their 'hole in the wall' all year round. They've already saved over 1446 babies so items like high-chairs, nappies and formula are in great demand. See how you can help here: http://doorofhope.co.za
Sponsor a Stable for an Abused Horse:
For R500 a month you can help look after a negleced or abused horse housed by the Cart Horse Protection Association. Or, if you have the space and the means, adopt a horse yourself and give it a new and loving home. http://carthorse.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Sponsor-A-Stable-Campaign.pdf
Help an LGBTI Person in Crisis:
The Pride Shelter Trust is a non-profit organisation raising funds for and managing a shelter offering short-term accommodation to members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community of greater Cape Town during crisis periods in their lives. The Pride Shelter also accommodates LGBTI people in crisis from elsewhere in South Africa and other African countries. SMS "SHELTER" and your full name to 40215 to donate R20, or visit http://www.pridesheltertrust.com/donate.html
Give a Tree to the Earth:
Gift a tree by pledging R120 to Greenpop for a tree, fertilizer, compost, mulch and monitoring, and get a tree certificate! http://www.greenpop.org/give-trees/give-africa-trees/
Help Give a Rape Survivor the Support They Need:
Help give vital services to communities in Cape Town by donating either once-off, or monthly: http://rapecrisis.org.za/support-us/donate/
(+1) Give a Granny or Grandpa a Christmas Day Beach Visit and Lunch
Lesley Ann Foster, a family friend who gives generously of her time and resources every day in the Eastern Cape and around the world, has put together an Indiegogo campaign to brighten Christmas Day for the elderly in East London. Donate any amount towards their goal of $4000 and know you've helped spread real cheer on Christmas, by contributing to a seaside outing, lunch and gifts on the day. The campaign can be found at https://www.generosity.com/community-fundraising/festive-joy-for-grannies-and-grandpa-s
There are many organisations out there doing amazing work, too many to put on this list unfortunately, so I'm not saying only these are worthy of your time or donations. Just goes to show though, if you look hard enough you can find plenty of people out there doing good work and making a difference. And supporting them means you are doing it too! So instead of buying my gran the same bottle of perfume this year because I have no idea what else to get her, I plan to donate to a cause in her name. I'll do it for my parents too! Join me in fighting all the anger and hate and negativity in the world by using what means we have to make a difference to others! Go team!