Opinions

The Spirit of Christmas

 

Welcome to the Festive Season.

Shopping malls are manic, and Christmas Carols are annoying ear worms in our heads. The demands on our time, emotions and finances are hectic. The headlines are depressing, load shedding is annoying, petrol is pricey, and water is scarce. It seems like the whole country is corrupt, mismanaged or falling apart.

The reality is that there are millions of ordinary South Africans flying under the media radar who are not corrupt, incompetent or self serving. They are quite the opposite. Every day countless men and women are quietly doing good, working to make our country a better place.

With the launch of the new For GOOD online platform it is so easy to connect with a cause and offer your assistance. There are many ways to help, donating time, money or your specialist services to an NGO or project in your area is a good way to start.

We need a reminder that the good people of South Africa far outnumber the corrupt, the gangsters and the criminals.

Please look at the causes listed on the For Good site, and even if you are unable to assist, it is a good to get a more balanced view of what is really happening in our country, and this creates a positive mindset.

Here are a few causes that need your help.

 

 ‘Tis the season of giving – donate blood

Blood stock levels in the Western Cape decline during the festive season – just as the number of road accidents spike. For the Western Province Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS), maintaining a five-day blood stock level through December is critical, it ensures that hospitals have sufficient safe blood to treat everyone.

“Many of our regular donors are away or very busy during the holiday season. At the same time, our blood donation clinics at corporate offices, schools and factories close for the December break. As a result, stocks can run low,” says WPBTS Corporate Public Relations Officer, Michelle Vermeulen.

To mitigate the impact of the shortage, the WPBTS is appealing to all residents, regular donors and holidaymakers to set aside just 30 minutes of their day to visit a clinic; “Each donation could save up to three lives – it is a small gift with a huge impact,” says Vermeulen.

Finding your nearest donation point is easy – download the free WP Blood app or SMS “Blood” to 33507 for a call back. “The donation process is absolutely safe and professional, and our staff are on hand to answer any questions. Only 475ml of blood is drawn, which your body replaces within 24 hours,” says Vermeulen.

Donors are required to be between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh over 50kg, be in good general health and lead a safe sexual lifestyle.

For more information, SMS “Blood” to 33507, call WPBTS on 021 507 6300, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.wpblood.org.za. Blood stock updates and interesting facts about donation can be found on their Facebook (WP Blood), Twitter (@WPBlood) and Instagram (wp_blood) accounts.

“We thank all blood donors for their support during 2018, our organisation’s 80th year, and wish South Africans a safe and pleasant festive season,” says Vermeulen.

 You can also save a life by signing up with the SA Bone Marrow Registry

Support the families of children who have cancer My Child Has Cancer

Protect the men in your life and support “Love Your Nuts”

“My name is Torsten Koehler. I am a testicular cancer survivor, author of the book “Love your Nuts (LYN) – Testicular Cancer touched my Life” and the founder of the men’s health charity “Love your Nuts”. You can find more info on my organisation and my story on our website:

We believe that no men would die of testicular cancer if they knew about this disease – most common in the age group between 15 to 40. If we can reach all men at an early stage, their lives will be saved.  Knowledge and early detection is the best weapon against cancer!

We educate and raise awareness at schools, events and corporates in a humorous way because humour is the best way to get a guy’s attention. “

The Institute of Justice and Reconciliation needs your help.

This is for everyone who wants  to build a fair, inclusive and democratic society in South Africa.

Who is NOAH?

Neighbourhood Old Age Homes provide dignity and support to the elderly. These people have so many stories to share and such wisdom to impart.

Just Grace is inspiring hope in the community in Langa.

Their projects  include youth development and work with refugees.

Ubuntu House is registered as an uMephi Child and Youth Care Centre.

They provide temporary safe care for new born babies, who have been given up by their mothers from unwanted pregnancies, rejection due to HIV, or abandoned.

There are many more projects and causes listed on the For Good site. Find one that resonates with you and give a little bit if you can.

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