The chill in the air means it’s time for hot drinks, warm blankets, and warm hearts. This winter, why not give back while keeping cosy? Here are some charities and organisations you can support to make a real difference in Pretoria.
Why Winter Giving Matters More Than Ever
As winter sets in, many people across Pretoria are left without the basic comforts of warmth, food, and safety. Cold nights are even tougher for the homeless, vulnerable children, struggling families, and the elderly. While we pull on our thick socks and pour another cup of cocoa, thousands just hope for a clean blanket or a hot meal.
But there’s good news. Pretoria is home to a remarkable network of non-profit charities and organisations, changemakers who step up every winter to care for others. And with Nelson Mandela Day fast approaching, this is the perfect time to join in. Whether you’re donating goods, offering your skills, or volunteering for a few hours, these local organisations need your support now more than ever.
Blankets, Beanies & Big Hearts: Where to Start
Not sure where your time or donation will do the most good? We’ve rounded up some of the most impactful charities and organisations in Pretoria to support this winter. Each one is unique in focus, but all are driven by compassion, community, and a deep commitment to creating real change.
Feed a Homeless Homie
With a name that tells it like it is, Feed a Homeless Homie offers immediate and compassionate help to people living on the streets. Their mission is simple: feed people, meet urgent needs, and remind the homeless that they are not invisible. The team relies heavily on the public for both financial support and goods. This winter, they’re distributing warm meals, blankets, jackets, socks, and hygiene items. You can also sponsor a R100 winter pack that includes food, toiletries, and a thermal blanket. They welcome volunteers to help prepare and hand out supplies, and their Facebook page is the best way to stay updated on what’s needed most.
Gift of the Givers
As one of Africa’s largest and most respected humanitarian organisations, Gift of the Givers has an excellent reputation for delivering targeted, effective aid. In Pretoria, they focus heavily on food relief, emergency housing, disaster response, and winter drives. They’re currently collecting non-perishables, warm clothing, blankets, and funding for soup kitchens that operate daily in colder communities. You can help by donating money, food items, or signing up to volunteer for their winter outreach events. Whether you’re an individual, school group, or business, they make it easy to get involved with impact.
The Viva Foundation of South Africa
Based in Mamelodi East, the Viva Foundation works directly with families in informal settlements to provide support, safety, and education. During winter, their needs shift to include thermal wear, blankets, food parcels, and support for school children struggling with winter uniforms. One of the most beautiful things about Viva is their "adopt-a-family" program, where donors can create custom hampers or sponsor a child's winter needs. You can also volunteer at one of their community art or literacy hubs, making this a great option for those looking for a hands-on, heart-led way to give back.
Mamelodi Initiative
The Mamelodi Initiative empowers youth through education, mentoring, and leadership training, but their work doesn’t stop when school ends. In winter, they mobilise their community to gather and distribute winter essentials to students and families. Whether you’re donating educational supplies, warm clothing, or a box of pantry staples, you’re helping create stability in a time that can feel uncertain for many young people. You can also volunteer online as a mentor or tutor. It’s a great opportunity to give back using your knowledge and time, even from the comfort of home.
Child Welfare Tshwane (CWT)
When it comes to child protection in Pretoria, Child Welfare Tshwane leads with heart and impact. CWT is a non-profit organisation providing care and protection for abandoned, abused, orphaned, and vulnerable children across the greater Tshwane area. Their services go far beyond rescue — they offer therapy, foster care, adoption services, mediation, and operate Bramley Children’s Home, a 24-hour care facility in Groenkloof. CWT also operates community service points in Atteridgeville, Centurion, Elandspoort, Mamelodi-West, Sunnyside, and Arcadia, ensuring they’re always accessible to families in crisis. This winter, they need donations of warm clothing, shoes, blankets, and hygiene items for children in care, as well as support for foster families and ongoing therapy programmes.
Tshwane SPCA
Our furry friends feel the cold too, and the Tshwane SPCA is here to help. They rescue and care for hundreds of animals — many of whom arrive hungry, cold, and neglected. During winter, they ask for donations of old blankets, dog and cat food, and even hot water bottles. You can also volunteer to walk dogs, help at events, or foster animals in need. It's a great family-friendly way to teach children about empathy while also giving back in a paws-itively meaningful way.
PEN (Pretoria Evangelism and Nurture)
Operating in the heart of Pretoria, PEN focuses on holistic care for vulnerable communities, including children, adults with substance dependency, the elderly, and the homeless. This winter, they’re running community outreach drives to distribute clothing, groceries, and hygiene items. What makes PEN unique is its long-term focus — your donation doesn’t just stop at a meal or a blanket. It helps someone access education, counselling, and support. Join as a donor, volunteer, or sponsor a family care pack and become part of someone’s journey to stability.
Jakaranda Kinderhuis
With 29 residential homes across two Pretoria campuses — in East Lynne and Queenswood — Jakaranda Kinderhuis provides holistic care for over 200 children placed in their custody by the Children’s Court. Each child is placed in a home with dedicated houseparents offering around-the-clock care, every day of the year. These children, aged 3 to 18, receive schooling, medical care, therapy, and — most importantly — love and stability. This winter, Jakaranda Kinderhuis is calling for donations of winter pyjamas, school uniforms, bedding, and transport support for their daily school runs to 18 different educational institutions. A simple gift of a warm jersey or a stationery pack could be the boost a child needs to feel seen and supported.
The Angel Network
If flexibility and immediacy are your thing, the Angel Network is a fantastic way to give back in real time. They operate via WhatsApp and Facebook, posting urgent donation appeals as needs arise — often from families who have lost homes, children who need uniforms, or people struggling with medical bills. It’s hyper-local, fast-moving, and deeply rewarding. You can donate money, food, clothing, or just spread the word to others. This network thrives on everyday people doing small things that, together, create big change.
Dogtown South Africa
Winter is hard on humans, but it can be just as brutal for animals. Dogtown SA is a sanctuary for abandoned and abused dogs, offering shelter, medical care, rehabilitation, and rehoming services. Their mission? To ensure every dog has a safe space and, eventually, a loving forever home. Located just outside Pretoria, Dogtown welcomes volunteers and donations of blankets, food, cleaning supplies, and toys. You can even sponsor a dog, covering their winter care while they wait for adoption. If your heart has a soft spot for wet noses and wagging tails, this is the perfect place to give back.
As the temperatures drop, the needs of our community rise — and so can we. Supporting charities and organisations in Pretoria this winter means more than just giving things. It means giving hope, comfort, and connection. Whether you donate a beanie, serve soup, or spend 67 minutes with someone who needs it, you’re part of something bigger. You’re part of building a warmer, kinder Pretoria — one blanket, one smile, and one act of service at a time.
FAQs
1. What’s the best way to support charities in winter?
Donate blankets, warm clothing, non-perishable food, or your time as a volunteer.
2. Can I involve my workplace or school in donations?
Absolutely. Many organisations have group donation or sponsorship options.
3. How do I verify if a charity is legitimate?
Stick with registered NPOs and check their websites or social media for transparency.
4. Are there ways to donate without spending money?
Yes — volunteering your time or skills is incredibly valuable.
5. What do shelters need most during winter?
Warm bedding, socks, jackets, toiletries, and food parcels are in high demand.
6. How can I support Mandela Day specifically?
Offer 67 minutes of your time, host a drive, or contribute to a Mandela Month campaign.
7. Are children allowed to help or volunteer?
Many organisations welcome family involvement — just ask ahead for age guidelines.
8. Where do I drop off donations?
Each charity provides drop-off locations; some even collect.
9. What if I want to help long-term?
Become a monthly donor, regular volunteer, or corporate partner.
10. Can I support more than one organisation?
Definitely. Spread your impact by helping in different ways with different groups.
