Despite limited resources, non-profit organisations in the east of Pretoria have tirelessly provided relief and uplifted the communities this year.
As the festive season draws near, they seek support from the community to continue their critical work.
The NPOs have been providing services and resources to communities where government resources are insufficient or inaccessible, as well as promoting social change, and addressing social challenges.
Welriet Community NPC has been providing an organisational and supporting structure to support the residents, businesses, workers and visitors in Elarduspark, Rietvalleirand, Rietvalleipark, Wingatepark and Route21 Business Park, Erasmuskloof Ext 2, and Waterkloof AH.
The organisation has also been promoting and improving community safety, infrastructure and environmental issues.
Welriet spokesperson Shawn Fouche said community members can spread joy this festive season and assist the organisation to continue making a difference.
“A time traditionally associated with warmth, generosity and togetherness, many in our community face challenges that make this time of year difficult.”
Fouche said community members or businesses who are able to can help the financially strained by providing holiday meals, as not everyone has the resources or support to fully enjoy the holidays.
She said this year, Welriet NPC is reaching out to everyone to help make a real difference.
Fouche said residents can support the Welriet NPC First Responders Christmas Day Lunch Drive.
“While we are all with our families enjoying the holidays, the first responders are away from theirs ensuring the community is safe.”
She said the organisation needs help to make the annual Welriet NPC Christmas Lunch Drive a success.
“This initiative aimed at providing warm, nourishing Christmas Day meal for those working to ensure our safety. Your donation, no matter the size, will help ensure that those working in our community are given a little bit of Christmas cheer.”
She said the community can help the organisation by supporting the community security initiatives.
Fouche said for many, the holiday season means travel – whether for vacation or to spend time with loved ones. Unfortunately, this can also make homes vulnerable to theft.
“Your donations will help fund local security initiatives, such as programmes and home safety checks, giving residents peace of mind while they’re away. In a time when community support is so crucial, these programmes play a vital role in maintaining a sense of safety and security for all.”
She said people can also help Welriet by volunteering their time or skills.
“In addition to financial contributions, your time and talents are incredibly valuable. Whether it’s volunteering to deliver meals, help organise community events or simply offering a helping hand where it’s needed – your involvement makes a real difference.”
For more information, contact Fouche on 082 461 6935.
Another important non-profit organisation, Friends of Groenkloof and Klapperkop Nature Reserves, which aims to maintain and conserve the reserves, said it needs communities to rally together to protect the beloved nature reserves from wildfires.
With Gauteng’s dry summer ahead, fire prevention is critical – not just for the precious ecosystems within the reserves, but for the safety of surrounding communities.
Spokesperson Angelique Geeringh said: “We need your support to safeguard these beautiful landscapes and the biodiversity of their shelter.
“Every donation goes directly towards the essential fire-prevention equipment like fire beaters, portable water knapsacks, and protective gear for our dedicated volunteers.”
She said people can also help the organisation by joining its social media campaign.
“By sharing our posts or even creating your own fundraiser on social media, you can help us reach more people and build a stronger support base. Every share makes a difference,” she said.
Geeringh added that this season, a gift – no matter the size – will have a lasting impact on conservation efforts, helping keep Groenkloof Nature Reserve safe from fires.
She said communities can support the effort by making a contribution. You can use their Zapper code or reach out to Geeringh on WhatsApp at 082 553 7041.
The Big Blanket Project needs donations to continue providing warm blankets to various organisations to spread the warmth this festive season.
Carol Bun said it needs all kinds of wool or funds to buy wool.
“Our volunteers use the wool to knit and crochet blankets and beanies.”
She said they also need blankets and clothes for their homeless beneficiaries.
“We have collection boxes at the Hazelwood Food Market and Cash Converters Gift Acres.”
Communities and businesses can contact her on 082 373 6206.
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