We are living through circumstances we’ve never experienced before. It’s easy to feel part of the vortex of helplessness as we watch the devastation of the Coronavirus play out on a global scale.
On 27 March 2020 South Africa went into lockdown for the first time and since then many of our people have seen their incomes reduced or have not received any income at all … our people are struggling. Did you know that roughly 11.4% (1 out of every 10) of South Africans whose income had decreased during lockdown reported that they have recently experienced hunger for the first time?
Truth is we’re living through a particularly trying time in history, but it’s also a time where we are likely to see the best side of humanity. Our first instincts may be to hunker down and to protect ourselves and our immediate families. However, there are many ways - in true South African spirit - in which ordinary citizens can give back without risking their health and wellbeing.
Now is the time to serve the most vulnerable in our community as the needs of people around us keep growing. There is always something you can do to help others. Your act of kindness needn’t be a large gesture, something small could make a huge difference in someone’s life.
We have a few ideas:
- Swipe to support. Become part of the My School My Village My Planet By swiping this card at any of the partner stores, a percentage of your purchase value goes to the school or charity you choose at no cost to you.
- Run an errand while shopping for essentials. Show kindness to people who can’t leave their home. The elderly or people with serious disabilities still need food.
- Make an extra sandwich and donate hand sanitizer to those asking for help at traffic lights. Or offer a warm cup of coffee or a blanket.
- Do regular check-in-and-chat calls to loved ones. Don’t underestimate the depth of loneliness and isolation people are feeling.
- Offer online tutoring. Volunteer your teaching skills to support working parents.
- Bake a banana bread and leave it on your neighbour’s porch.
- Support the people who work in your home. Keep paying their salaries, they generally have extended families depending on their income.
- Join the virtual volunteering craze. One of the easiest ways to explore this is on Forgood.co.za. It’s vital to connect the skills and talents of individuals to non-profit, social impact organizations in need of those specific skills.
- Donate non-perishable food. Find out what your local food bank needs, what they’re short of, and fill those holes.
- Sew face masks and distribute to vulnerable communities.
- Treat someone close to you by having something special delivered.
- Donate blood. Blood banks have remained open with safety precautions in place.
- Always wanted a furry friend but never had the time? Adopt a pet or donate blankets or pet food to your local SPCA.
Also, don’t underestimate how much you’re helping already by simply following the public health guidelines by staying at home as much as you can and by practicing social distancing. This act alone will prevent others from getting sick and overwhelming the health care system.
Reach out, you can help.
Source: positive.news, helpguide.org, goskippy.com, theguardian.com, highwaymail.co.za, greatergood.berkeley.edu, insider.com, earthjustice.org, sport.leeds.ac.uk, goodthingsguy.com, bedforviewedenvalenews.co.za
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
