Charity begins at home; Ways in which you can give back from your home to others
South Africans are charitable by nature, a trait which we are known for around the world.
Cast your mind to the young petrol attendant who so generously lent R100 to a complete stranger, ensuring she could make her way home. Just over a week later, this same petrol attendant was on the receiving end as South Africans dug into their pockets to raise over R500 0000 in support of the young man - who in turn will use some of the proceeds to give back to charities of his choice.
It is this generosity that makes us take care of our own, when others experience challenging times.
Cast your mind to the young petrol attendant who so generously lent R100 to a complete stranger, ensuring she could make her way home. Just over a week later, this same petrol attendant was on the receiving end as South Africans dug into their pockets to raise over R500 0000 in support of the young man - who in turn will use some of the proceeds to give back to charities of his choice.
It is this generosity that makes us take care of our own, when others experience challenging times.
Mike Greeff, CEO of Greeff Christie's International Real Estate says, "We have been privileged to live among struggle icons such as the late Nelson Mandela who encouraged us to live a life of service to one another. With Nelson Mandela Day coming up on 18 July, South Africans are implored to give back. And while many may not have the means to care for a large group, we can start with giving back from our own homes.
"At Greeff, we believe in the power of being good-natured and doing our best to help the less fortunate. And as such we believe in everyone making the effort they can so that overall, a multitude of good deeds can be achieved."
We recommend starting by doing these four simple things from your very own home:
Do a clothing and shoe donation
Donating clothing and shoes is always something that will be needed. What many people don't realise is the great need people have for clothing, not just for themselves, but also their children. Partake in a family exercise and sort through your clothing and shoes to establish which items you are happy to part ways with. Ensure these items do not perish in any way and are in a good enough condition to be worn outside.
Once gathered, put the clothing through a washing cycle, fold them and pack them in bags, separate from the shoes, ready for handing out. The act in itself may seem small but an individual benefitting from these items could very well make use of some of the clothes for a job interview which, in the long run, may lead to a change in their circumstances in the grand scheme of things. In doing so, you'll not only be making an impact on the lives of others but also creating room in your own home and closet which can be used for better storage.
Once gathered, put the clothing through a washing cycle, fold them and pack them in bags, separate from the shoes, ready for handing out. The act in itself may seem small but an individual benefitting from these items could very well make use of some of the clothes for a job interview which, in the long run, may lead to a change in their circumstances in the grand scheme of things. In doing so, you'll not only be making an impact on the lives of others but also creating room in your own home and closet which can be used for better storage.
Donate beds you no longer use or need
If you are in the market for a new bed, have a spare bed from kids that have since moved out or simply have spare mattresses in storage, now may be the perfect time to donate those beds to those who simply have none. With Winter firmly upon us, nothing speaks of more comfort than a safe place to lie your head down at night.
Whether you know of a family in need or would simply like to make the donation to a charity in need, the gesture in itself is sure to be greatly appreciated by those on the receiving end. At the same time, you will be freeing up crucial space within your home which could be converted to a guest room or even used for storage, depending on where the beds were situated.
Whether you know of a family in need or would simply like to make the donation to a charity in need, the gesture in itself is sure to be greatly appreciated by those on the receiving end. At the same time, you will be freeing up crucial space within your home which could be converted to a guest room or even used for storage, depending on where the beds were situated.
Embark on a toy collection with your children
A toy collection is always a good idea and to those in need, toys are so much more than just something to entertain children. For many who are in need, toys are not something high on the list of priorities for parents as they consider making ends meet the most important objective and rightfully so. However, that does not mean the helpful distraction and instantaneous joy of toys is less of a donation. Round up the toys your kids have an abundance of, no longer care for or no longer need and donate them to those in need.
The gesture may not improve circumstances, but the tangible happiness of kids may be the most impactful of all your donations yet. Rounding up your children's toys could allow you to make additional space within their rooms for new purchase. Toys take up a considerable amount of space and once removed, can provide you with much-needed space.
The gesture may not improve circumstances, but the tangible happiness of kids may be the most impactful of all your donations yet. Rounding up your children's toys could allow you to make additional space within their rooms for new purchase. Toys take up a considerable amount of space and once removed, can provide you with much-needed space.
Purchase one or two extra bags of groceries monthly with your shopping trips
The need for food and something to fill our stomachs never dissipates. Be a part of the solution to this problem by preparing an additional bag or two of groceries with your monthly groceries. Fill it up with some fresh vegetables, non-perishable canned goods, rice and other staples that would be integral in preparing a few meals.
You could even add some items from your pantry such as tinned goods, beans, etc and kill two birds with one stone as you clean up your pantry. While it won't last forever, it certainly does offer some relief to those in need and could mean the difference to children going to bed well-fed.
You could even add some items from your pantry such as tinned goods, beans, etc and kill two birds with one stone as you clean up your pantry. While it won't last forever, it certainly does offer some relief to those in need and could mean the difference to children going to bed well-fed.
All of the above initiatives seem small in kind but from the perspective of those who lack, your contribution means plenty. This need not break the bank but can offer some much-needed assistance - from the comfort of your home.
With this Mandela Day, do what you can do with what you have to give, and you may be surprised by the outcome and lasting effect.
18 Jul 2019
Author Greeff
