Charities in Cape Town

From feeding schemes to homeless shelters and animals in need

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on South Africa’s economy, with the poor and vulnerable suffering the most. With many people unable to work since the lockdown began, they need our support now more than ever. Here are 11 things you can do to help.

PUT A MEAL ON SOMEONE’S TABLE

FoodForward SA recovers quality food from the consumer goods supply chain (such as farmers and retailers) and delivers it to those who need it most. So far, they have reached over 250,000 people and served 20 million meals. One meal costs only R0,85, so you can be assured that your money will go far. Donate now by visiting the FoodForward SA website.

“BUY A BED” AT A HOMELESS SHELTER

The Haven Night Shelter has 15 safe houses around the city and provides a safe place to sleep for homeless Capetonians. There is a R12 fee, but you can “Buy a Bed” for R60 to cover the fee for one person for five nights. Plus, feed 10 people when you donate R50 to the #soupforsolidarity campaign via The Haven Night Shelter website.

FEED A CHILD EVERY DAY

The Masiphumelele Creative Hub provides a safe environment where residents of Masiphumelele are taught how to overcome their daily challenges through the power of creativity. Since the beginning of the lockdown, they have been providing meals for 700 children a day and delivering food packs to the elderly every week. If you are able to donate money or goods, visit the Masiphumulele Creative Hub website.

FEED OUR FURRY FRIENDS

Tears Animal Rescue, who provide a sanctuary for lost, abused or neglected animals, has launched a COVID-19 appeal for pet food in response to the increase in requests from pet owners living in vulnerable communities who are struggling to feed their pets. You can help the rescue team continue to save animals by supporting the Tears emergency fund.

DONATE FOOD TO A SOUP KITCHEN

Volunteer-run soup kitchen Ladles of Love is dedicated to feeding the homeless community of Cape Town every week. They have been providing food for around 1,000 homeless Capetonians during the lockdown in Cape Town’s CBD. Their other projects provide food to struggling schools, students and communities. You can get involved and help by donating non-perishable goods or money via the Ladles of Love website.

HELP HOSPITALS ACCESS PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Founded by Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel, the Kolisi Foundation is donating personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks to hospitals in Cape Town and his native Port Elizabeth. The foundation’s other campaigns include food donations and community projects, such as sponsoring sports teams. Find out how you can help on the Kolisi Foundation website.

INCOME RELIEF FOR SMALL-SCALE FARMERS

The Umthunzi Farming Community works with around 50 small-scale organic farmers from Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Nyanga, Mitchells Plain, Philippi, and Malmesbury. The farmers rely heavily on Umthunzi to provide for their families, so the organisation has launched a fundraising campaign to raise funds for farmer income relief and prevention packs consisting of masks, soap and hand sanitiser. Support the farmers by making a donation on the Umthunzi Farming Community website.

SEND IN YOUR HOMEMADE MASKS

Even after the lockdown ends, the coronavirus will still be a threat. That’s why Let's Mask SA is calling on the public to help them provide every South African, particularly those less fortunate, with a homemade material mask. Anyone can make one - all you need is some fabric, elastic and a basic sewing kit. To find out more about how to create, wash, and drop off the masks, you can visit the Let’s Mask SA website.

 

HYGIENE PRODUCTS AND FOOD FOR VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES
Community Chest has established a national emergency COVID-19 fund that provides resources to vulnerable communities. They are providing these communities with the necessary hygiene products as well as food donations to those in need. Help out if you can and donate to Community Chest.

HELP FEED OVER 22,000 PEOPLE

Breadline Africa, one of the biggest suppliers of converted shipping containers for poverty relief in Southern Africa, is helping supply food to two outreach programmes in Cape Town - Philisa Abafazi Bethu and Al-Maamana Outreach Program. These two organisations will have served over 22,000 meals to children and the eldery by the time lockdown ends. Read about what you can do on the Breadline Africa website.

FEED A FAMILY
#OneLoveSA is supporting the Operation Hunger feed-a-family fundraiser. Donations start from R200, which helps them send a food and sanitary parcel to a family in need. The parcels include maize meal, samp, beans, lentils, hand soap, and disposable wipes. Make your donation on the One Love website.

 

By Daryn Wood

---

Get custom face masks, face shields and sanitisers with AroundAboutMasks.

Lockdown won’t last forever. Why not start planning your post-lockdown bucket list?

Stay up to date with the latest updates on the coronavirus in Cape Town.

Got questions? Check out our COVID-19 FAQ.

---

Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of what’s happening in the city, suburbs and dorpies. Join our newsletter and add us to your mobile home screen for the ultimate guide to discoveries in Cape Town.

Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.