You were there with us every step of the way

Winter is our busiest time of year when the bitter weather adds to all the other hardships of poverty.

Sometimes there’s the impression that we only work in the major cities – which we do – but the remote rural areas are often where the most help is needed.  And our 159 Corps work everywhere to reach those who are most vulnerable.

And here are some of those places where you walked with us this winter.

EASTERN CAPE

Mthatha
In June this year, a storm caused rivers to burst their banks with the floods claiming the lives of 102 people, homes, vehicles and possessions being swept away.

As people searched, often in vain, for loved ones, and anything that could be salvaged, your donations helped us bring in mattresses, blankets, food parcels and sanitary items.  All were delivered with words of comfort, restoring dignity, and spreading hope.  Thank you.

Mdantsane
In this community, the Winter Drive you helped to make possible saw the sharing of warm meals, cosy clothing, and a great deal of love.

WESTERN CAPE

In Silverton, Khayelitsha, people saw their entire lives go up in flames, losing everything they’d worked so hard to achieve.

145 people were homeless, frightened and helpless.

Again, you helped us to respond quickly with food, clothes and blankets.

In Kayamandi, Stellenbosch, another devastating fire claimed the life of an eight-year-old child and displaced over 120 people.  Again, you helped us bring compassionate and practical relief to the suffering.  Thank you.

In Athlone, Klapmuts and beyond
Compassionate relief came in the form of blankets (seen as a gift from God), pots of hot soup with bread, nourishing meals, food parcels and collected clothing.

Honouring grandparents
Grandparents are the treasures of every family for their love, faith, sacrifice and wisdom.

And at three Salvation Army creches in Bonteheuwel, Manenberg and Mitchell’s Plain in the Western Cape, grandparents were invited to come out and be honoured and enjoy a day of celebration.

Besides the love, laughter and legacy, the more serious message of child protection was shared. The world can’t do without grandparents.

KWAZULU-NATAL

Ezakheni and Mahhashini
It wasn’t just the blankets, clothes and food that mattered.  People were so grateful that somebody cared about their circumstances.

Along with the communities themselves, winter warmth was taken to a creche where the children face challenges in getting proper meals, and to a local clinic where pap and soup were offered to patients and staff.

Vryheid
Unemployed men waiting at a four way stop hoping for an offer of some work is a familiar sight in South Africa.  At this gathering in Vryheid our Home League ladies reached out with a home cooked meal and some warm clothing. Sharing your kindness in one act of love at a time.

Hammarsdale, Imbali, Montpelier, Esibhoweni and Richards Bay
In these places you walked with us bringing winter warmth and love to a senior citizens’ home; a shopping centre where we fed the poor and raised awareness about child protection; youth-led home visits; a community-based care centre for the destitute, frail and disabled; and a family who lost everything including a child in a devastating fire.

In the deep rural community of Esibhoweni, children travel long distances to school.  And here you helped us welcome them with sandwiches and mugs of warm tea.

LIMPOPO

Musina, Tshidimbini, Thohoyandou, Sambandou and Vleifontein
Again, communities were served – including shoes donated to learners at the Mphatele Primary School; meals to travellers at the border gate; sanitary towels to girls at an orphanage and food parcels to a school for the disabled and a local hospice.  All reminding people that they’re seen and cared for.

MPUMALANGA AND ESWATINI, ORLANDO AND BRAAMFONTEIN

You kept walking with us here too.

THANK YOU for every cup of soup, slice of bread, cooked meal, blanket and item of clothing.  They all meant so much.

This year’s winter outreach efforts have made a real and lasting impact.  Having you with us in spirit and generosity made all the difference.

Together, we’re not just fighting the cold – we’re spreading compassion.