This holiday season, the DO MORE FOUNDATION (DoMore) urges everyone to make their gifts meaningful by choosing presents that not only bring joy to loved ones but also benefit the broader community.
Founded by RCL FOODS, DoMore is dedicated to enhancing the lives of young children in South Africa through nationwide Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes and deeply rooted community development initiatives.
Jabu Mthembu-Dlamini, Community Development Lead at DoMore, highlights the urgent issue of hunger affecting vulnerable communities—whether rural, urban, or pre-urban—reaching alarming levels, leading to desperate mothers considering drastic measures to escape these harsh conditions. She emphasises the critical need to support families with children, stating, “My plea is to encourage South Africans to reach out and assist families with children during this festive season and beyond.”
While DoMore’s primary focus is on young children, they offer diverse ideas for individuals to make a positive impact this festive season. With a sincere commitment to community improvement, DoMore provides 10 ways for all South Africans to spread holiday cheer through gifts that keep on giving. These include:
1. For the foodie
This is a very different take on gifting the foodie in your life, but why not donate to a nutritional programme in their name? Alternatively contribute non-perishable, nutrient-rich foods for community feeding programmes. You can also provide a child with an entire month’s worth of DoMore Porridge by purchasing one of DoMore’s #DoMoreFriday t-shirts.
2. For the book lover
Help your book lover share their love of literature through supporting community development initiatives near you. You could collect and donate age-appropriate books, educational toys, and learning materials to under-resourced ECD centres or toy libraries in the local community. Creating a reading corner or play area to stimulate cognitive development in a loved one’s name is an incredibly special way to show your love.
3. For the gardener
Donate to your local community garden or establish one yourself. Many ECD centres are very under-resourced and fresh food will make a big difference in the lives of these children. Monetary donations, equipment and even sharing your knowledge could be a huge help.
4. Do double gifting
Consider supporting organisations like DoMore by shopping from their online stores. Purchasing gifts from these platforms allows you to contribute to the cause while adding something special under the tree. Additionally, explore ShopDonation for a free way to donate while shopping at affiliated online stores like CottonOn, Mr Price, NetFlorist, etc. Simply click on the shop icon, make a purchase as usual, and the brand covers the donation cost, allowing you to choose the cause for each transaction at no extra cost.
5. Give the gift of education
You could assist in funding resource and training organisations such as TREE ECD, Khululekaand The Learning Initiative to bring more early learning to more ECD centres in South Africa in 2024.
6. Give your time and resources
With many volunteers on holiday at this time of the year, many charities find themselves under-resourced, reach out and see how you can assist. You could also consider providingtransportation support for families who may face challenges in accessing healthcare, education, or community resources.
7. For the animal lover
Many animal shelters are inundated with work at this time of the year as the volunteer and sponsorship pools tend to run dry. Your support is even more important during the festive season, so why not donate to animal welfare organisations such as TEARS, Woodrock animal rescue or Feeding the furballs in your loved one’s name? You could also give the gift of your time by volunteering or buying gifts from the charities directly, they often have crafts and branded items available at this time of year.
8. Gifting your skills
Businesses can offer pro bono services such as legal advice, accounting, or marketing to support ECD centres.
9. Join the party
Many ECD centres, churches and charities host holiday parties and could always do with much-needed assistance. Whether you help with party packs, entertainment or gifts, the children and organisers will be appreciative.
10. Empty your toy boxes
With new toys and books coming in for your children this is the ideal time to teach them about the joys of giving. Collect preloved toys and donate them to your local ECD centres for the new year.
Assisting in these ways may seem small but can make a huge impact.
“As we embrace the festive season, let’s foster the ubuntu spirit and recognize the lasting impact we can create for the future. Supporting the early years in South Africa goes beyond mere generosity; it’s about laying the groundwork for the next generation. Imagine the extraordinary collective impact achievable if every South African commits to a small act of kindness for young children this December.” – Cara Goschen, DO MORE UK and Communications Lead
