Local learner aims to donate blankets to the needy

King David Linksfield learner Michaela Saayman is hosting a gift-of-giving blanket drive to help the needy in the freezing weather.

The 17-year-old aims to create awareness about the importance of giving during winter.

“I want to ensure people who can’t afford blankets are given them and to ensure they keep warm no matter their circumstances.”

Saayman stated that people can either donate blankets (new or used) or by purchasing her cupcakes and the money will be used to purchase these more blankets.

“The blanket drive is a worthy cause and secondly it forms a part of my final matric marks for my tourism assignment.”

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She said that this is not her first drive.

“When I was 12, I collected blankets for another charity organisation as an act of kindness. I had to stop because it was taking too much of my time and I had to focus on schoolwork permanently.

“However, I am back and I am for bigger things and I won’t be stopping ever again,” she said.

Saayman said she draws the love for giving back to the community from her late dad.

“My late dad was very into giving back to the community in many ways and since his death two years ago I want to continue his legacy. I realised how privileged we are and how we take a bed and blankets for granted.

“For the people living on the streets they are not as fortunate,” she said.

Saayman said she will be doing a drive around Kempton Park and distributing the blankets to the people who sleep on the streets or beg at the traffic lights.

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Those who are really in need will be eligible for a warm blanket.

She pleads with the community to donate as many blankets as possible.

The deadline for the collection or drop-offs is on August 15.

For more information, contact 074 217 1172 via WhatsApp or call alternatively renee.saayman@yahoo.com