Last week for bringing Winter Hope to the needy

The annual Winter Hope drive once again brought cities together to lend a helping hand to those in dire need.

The drive is now entering its final week and people should take note there is still time to make a difference for those facing the harsh realities of the winter cold.

“We are yet again astounded at the amount of goodwill and sense of community that is being created by something as simple as the freezing cold,” says Winter Hope national campaign manager Duane Edwards.

“We are extremely thankful for the donations we have received so far. It shows the people of South Africa have caring hearts. I want to encourage fellow South Africans to support us with the last week of the campaign, as it will assist us to make hope a reality for the less privileged,” Edwards says.

However, there remains a great shortage of blankets, non-perishable food items and warm clothing.

The campaign was launched on June 1 and since then have managed to collect 1 632 blankets, 1 477 grocery bags of clothing, 428 grocery bags of food and 414 beanies. In addition, shelter totals (based on bed occupancy per night) has been provided to 3 615 people.

This year’s 19th national Winter Hope campaign is hosted by Mould Empower Serve (MES), PEN (Participate Empower Navigate), Denis Hurley Centre and Towers of Hope, in collaboration with various churches and social uplifting organisations. It seeks to involve the public in a nationwide drive to collect key items in an attempt to bring relief in the colder months for those in need.

Collection points are set up in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein, and smaller towns. Cash donations are welcome and 18A tax benefit certificates can be issued as required.

Cash donations are also welcome and can be made by either Snapscan, EFT or PayFast through the Winter Hope website (www.winterhoop.org), or directly into the following account:

Winterhoop

ABSA, 632005

Savings account

906 892 5251