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 This Christmas, many people on the more privileged end of the spectrum in South Africa are looking at how they can make a real difference to others that reaches beyond the superficial wrappings of the festive season. Laisha Moodley explores some of the options.
Christmas is upon us - and with year-end functions, holiday preparations and Christmas shopping, we are all looking a bit frazzled. I’m sure after the bumper year we’ve experienced everyone is waiting to put their feet up and relax with family and friends. I feel that the best part about Christmas in South Africa is that the spirit of Christmas is celebrated by one and all - a season of sharing and forgiving across culture and race. And yes, Christmas has definitely taken on a large commercial value over the last 50 years – so today I urge you to take a step back and really consider your part in Christmas 2010 throughout the country.
Is there someone you can donate a food parcel to instead of buying mounds of unnecessary chocolates and sweets? Think about the nearest shelter that may have more use for all those old clothes lying at the bottom of your closet. And if you are really feeling the spirit of Christmas, volunteer for a day or activity at a local charity – you will be surprised at the uplifting effect it will have on your own spirit to know you really made a difference to someone’s life, even if only in a small way.
All I’m saying is do what you can – there’s no competition as to who donates the most time or money to a cause. It’s the intention to take a stand and be willing to open your hearts to others who are in need – be they man or animal. Be it for five minutes or a day , every gift has a value you will never truly realise. So go ahead and make Christmas 2010 a year worth remembering !
For those of you who want to help but don’t know where to start, I’ve listed two Christmas charity initiatives that have crossed my path this year.
SANTA PAWS – This initiative focuses on providing help to animals in shelters – abandoned, lost and sometimes very traumatised. SANTA PAWS is the brain child of Tarryn Day and Shelley Afargan , two ardent animal lovers. Last year the SANTA PAWS Initiative raised R56 265.87. There are various options to support this cause, such a donating a pre-packed hamper from R50 onward. 2010 beneficiaries are: Friends of Rescued Animals (FORA), Haartebeestport Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) and Port St John’s Animal Welfare.
Contact : Tarryn on
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Hamper Project 2010 – For the fourth year running, this project is aimed at collecting and donating food parcels to the areas of Katlehong-Joburg (50 families and 100 kids) on 4 December, in Welbedacht-Chatsworth (50 families and 100 kids) on 11 December and in Dobsonville (50 families and 100 kids) on 18 December. Each hamper costs R150.00 and contains staple foods and toiletries. Apart from the hamper you are welcome to donate clothes, food or even volunteer on the days of handover. The more donations, the more people can be helped.
Contact: Naven on 083 690 9021 or on
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Can you perhaps point me in the right direction?
Thanks
H