Charity Gift Guide: 11 Charities to Donate to this Festive Season
December is here and we’re all getting into the spirit of gifting. But, if you’re in the market to gift a little differently this year, or want to give a little festive cheer to someone less fortunate than yourself, you may want to consider adding a charity to your gift list these holidays. Whether you donate to a worthy cause in your friend or family member’s name or just want to contribute from yourself, this list of charity organisations by The Giving Organisation will help you choose a charity to add to your gift list this festive season.
1. Shop for Good
Started by Sanlam, Shop for Good provides a catalogue of school essentials, allowing people to instantly donate towards creating effective learning spaces in schools around the country. Simply browse the catalogue and donate instantly towards helping educate children in need. All donations go towards critical needs like sanitation, infrastructure, nutrition and boosting school leadership.
Visit shopforgood.co.za for more details on how to help.
2. National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA)
The NSPCA actively works to prevent animal cruelty by enforcing more than 90% of animal welfare legislation. The organisation also contributes to uplifting local communities through welfare initiatives, making it an interactive experience. Adopt a project to support the NSPCA or make a pledge to go green today.
For more information on how to help visit the NSCPA website.
3. Africa Foundation
This organisation empowers rural areas across 5 countries (especially those in conservation regions) through initiatives like building schools and clinics, offering bursaries, and small business development. When you donate to this foundation of behalf of a loved one, they’ll send a note of gift certificate via email to the receiver.
Visit africafoundation.org.za for more information.
4. Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA)
WESSA focuses on ensuring environmental sustainability today for the future. It is particularly concerned with the equitable management of natural resources through working with local communities to raise societal awareness. The organisation promotes collaborative partnerships to create positive change in terms of sectors such as water, waste, biodiversity and energy.
Click here to join WESSA, leave a legacy or donate now.
5. CANSA
CANSA has committed itself to research, prevention, early detection and care to reduce the impact of cancer in communities. They offer a variety of services to cancer patients and their families, playing a crucial role in providing support and promoting health.
Give a gift to CANSA at cansa.org.za.
6. CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation
This is South Africa’s only organisation that provides countrywide support to kids and teens with cancer and life-threatening disorders, along with their families. CHOC gives treatment, practical, financial and emotional support to help make the journey easier. It also trains and educates people to raise awareness about the warning signs of childhood cancer.
Learn how to support CHOC by clicking here.
7. The South African Red Cross Society
With the mission to bring relief and comfort to those in crisis, the Red Cross Society aims to identify, prevent and alleviate human suffering. It also aims to foster the concept of dignity in communities. Shop the Red Cross store or make a donation to support the organisation.
Visit redcross.org.za for more information.
8. The African Children’s Feeding Scheme (ACFS)
ACFS provides meals to over 31 000 children in Gauteng every day, assisting underprivileged communities and alleviating hunger in the country. To support the scheme, make an online donation, leave a legacy or shop a selection of their craft items.
For more details, visit acfs.org.za.
9. The Ithemba Trust
The Ithemba Trust provides education and care facilities for children and infants. It runs the Bright Stars Safe House, Bulelani Daycare Centre and Lilitha Creche. Donations or gifting of equipment and supplies, mattresses and blankets, and food are appreciated.
Visit ithemba-trust.org.za.
10. Cotlands
This non-profit organisation assists children (especially those affected by HIV/Aids) with the mission to ‘ignite potential through play’. Through numerous Early Childhood Development Programmes like toy libraries, capacity building programmes and educational playgrounds, Cotlands uplifts children in local communities. Get involved by making a donation or choosing to ‘donate your birthday’ to the foundation.
Find out more at cotlands.org.za.
11. The Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation (DTHF)
The DTHF combines research and community-driven development to prevent and treat infections like HIV and TB. By running innovative programmes like the Youth Centre and adult HIV education project. In partnership with the University of Cape Town, the organisation has also started SA’s first online postgraduate diploma in TB-HIV medicine.
Discover how to get involved at desmondtutuhivfoundation.org.za.
You can support all or any of these charities through The Giving Organisation’s Donation Platform via Givengain.com.