“Winters in Alex are brutal for vulnerable families who feel the brunt of Johannesburg’s notorious cold spells – which are even more heart-breaking to endure if they don’t have proper shelter, safe heaters, or even warm clothes. #WarmUpAlex sets out to help them keep warm, and safe,” says Sihle Mooi, CEO at Rays of Hope.
In 2019 when the initiative began, Rays of Hope, in partnership with 24 other non-profit organisations (NPOs) also working within Alex, provided food, blankets and warm clothes to over 6,000 Alex residents in need.
Despite a shift in method and focus in 2020, in response to the community’s needs arising out of the pandemic, which saw them provide food to over 70,000 vulnerable people, Rays of Hope is again appealing for help from people and businesses in the area to help keep the people of Alex warm this winter.
“We know there are many people who want to help, but who may not have the blankets or warm clothes to donate. A family sponsorship of just R250 can make a vast difference in the life of an Alex family, helping them with warm clothes, non-perishable food, and basic cold and flu medicine,” says Mooi.
Donations will be distributed as they are received. Companies are encouraged to drive collections within their office blocks, and individuals are asked to rally their communities to collect new or pre-loved items in good condition to help streamline the process.
Contributions can be dropped off at these locations:
For more information and to request a special Rays of Hope collection box for your office, contact az.oc.epoHfOsyaR@ofni. Monetary donations received will be eligible for a Section 18A certificate. Click here for more ways to donate.
