Sometimes it really does take a village.
The past year and a bit have re-emphasised the importance of community. An act of kindness and showing support for people in your neighbourhood or workspace really goes a long way.
With Mother’s Day coming up we think it’s important that we celebrate the women who gave us life and lend a helping hand to new mom’s, mom’s out there doing it on their own and mom’s who may be struggling. Take a look at the 4 different ways you can support South African mom’s on Mother’s Day below.
SweepSouth’s Make a Day, Change A Life campaign
SweepSouth has an ongoing campaign to raise funds for a different domestic worker’s special cause each month. This month’s beneficiary is widow Sylvia Thusi from Soweto, and funds raised will help buy school bags, uniforms and stationery for her children. Last month, the public's generosity helped buy an electric wheelchair for a partially paralysed teen, Aphalele Rangula, 14, whose mother, Lindelwa, is a domestic worker from Gugulethu.
You can help by making a donation to the campaign. You can find more information on their website and see monthly updates there.
Help a brand new mom through The Grace Factory
The Grace Factory is a non-profit organisation that aims to give dignity to needy new moms during this vulnerable time in their lives. Their maternity packs include essentials such as clothing, toiletries and nappies and are distributed through government hospitals, clinics, social workers and other community partners. You can help by donating new or gently used baby clothes, vests, socks, and blankets, or use your crafting skills to knit, crochet or sew baby beanies, jerseys, booties or blankets. Blankets may also be cut from fleece blankets. Drop items off at these collection points in SA. Visit their website for more information.
Relate bracelets
This not-for-profit social enterprise donates the majority of bracelet sales revenue to credible causes and social upliftment initiatives. Bracelet makers range from the elderly to refugees and township youth, all of whom earn an income by beading the bracelets. Each bracelet is also aligned with a specific cause - some are specifically related to humans, such as literacy, malaria and clean drinking water, while others support animals such as elephants, penguins and pangolins, to name but a few. Donate by purchasing a handmade Relate bracelet as a Mother’s Day gift at Relate's online shop.
Help a mother in need with MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet
When you sign up for a MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card a portion of your spend will go to a beneficiary of your choice. If you’d like to spread some Mother’s Day love and do something for a mother who is less fortunate, Bethany Home and Life Choices both help mothers in need. You can do this by signing up on their website and select your beneficiaries there.
