Where you can volunteer over the holidays

In light of the response on the Facebook post, we have compiled a list of centres where families can volunteer or donate their time.

The best way to make a difference in this world is by helping others. So here are a few places where you can start:

The Ark Animal Centre is a puppy shelter in Chartwell that is committed to promoting animal welfare and animal rights. The non-profit organisation has a number of fur babies looking for their forever homes, but also hosts a number of volunteer, community service and school holiday programmes on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm. No bookings are required unless it is a large group or school group; and you need to have filled out an indemnity form.

Details: www.arkanimalcentre.co.za/volunteer

The New Jerusalem Children’s Home in Midrand provides safety for abandoned and abused, orphaned or vulnerable children, and allows these children to have a sense of community and experience family values while growing up. The non-profit organisation also aims to build a number of eco-friendly houses for the children to live in. You can help them by donating food, toiletries and cleaning products, donating money or pledging your support to their cause.

Details: www.newjerusalemchildrenshome.org

Four Paws Animal Shelter in Fourways is dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged animals in urban areas. The shelter concentrates on their Squatter Camp Projects, which provide health care, veterinary treatment and sterilisations free of charge to people who live in these poor areas but still want to give their fur babies the best life they can. You can help them in their cause with a donation.

Details: www.4ourpaws.org.za

There are a number of ways you can make a difference to the South African Guide Dogs Association for the Blind. Members of the public can donate money or volunteer their time during the week by helping with admin tasks, and school children can do community service and assist the kennel staff. Families can also choose to become puppy raisers where you foster a puppy to teach the four-legged friend basic training and social skills before the pups are formally trained to become guide dogs.

Details: www.guidedog.org.za

The Princess Alice Adoption Home in Westcliff is a temporary place of safety for babies and toddlers who have been abandoned or removed from care, or have been consented for adoption. The organisation also offers a safe haven for pregnant girls who are poor or in a crisis. The home offers counselling and support, and you can help them by volunteering to care and play with the babies, assist around the home or by taking part in community service. They also currently have a number of ingenious ways you can show support during Mandela Month.

Details: www.princessalice.org.za

Those interested in committing to a volunteer programme may like to read about GEM.

Do you know of any other places where families can volunteer?

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