5 Ways to Give the Gift of Impact this Festive Season

For many in South Africa, the holiday season is a time of struggle, with hunger and hardship overshadowing festive celebrations. The DO MORE FOUNDATION invites South Africans to make their celebrations truly meaningful by giving gifts that not only bring joy but also create a lasting positive impact for the communities that need help most.

Through their support of Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes and community development initiatives, DO MORE and its partners across the public, private and non-profit sector, work tirelessly to improve the lives of young children and their families in under-resourced communities.

This festive season, DO MORE offers five impactful ways for South Africans to spread cheer while uplifting others.

1. Nourish a future: Many children in South Africa rely on school meals for their daily nutrition, leaving them vulnerable to hunger when schools close over the holidays. You can help by contributing to feeding programmes or donating nutrient-rich non-perishable foods.

2. Spark a love for learning: Help the book lover in your life share their passion by donating books, educational toys, or learning materials to under-resourced ECD centres. Alternatively, create a reading corner or fantasy play area in a loved one’s name. These small acts provide opportunities for young children to build their imagination, creativity and cognitive development through play-based learning.

3. Empower under-resourced communities: Support local community gardens or help establish one at an ECD centre. Fresh produce grown in a centre’s garden not only nourishes young minds and bodies, but it also offers an opportunity to enjoy sensory play and learn about sustainability in the natural environment. Donations of seeds, gardening tools, or financial support can make a significant impact.

4. Shop with purpose: Double the joy of giving by purchasing gifts from organisations that support worthy causes, like the DO MORE FOUNDATION’s online store. For a stylish and meaningful gift, one t-shirt purchased provides a month’s supply of porridge for a child in need – a gift that sustains far beyond the festive season.

5. Share time or resources: The holidays often leave charities short-staffed, making volunteer support crucial. Whether you assist at a holiday event, help with transportation for families in need, or offer your professional skills pro bono, your time can make a lasting difference.

“This festive season, we invite South Africans to reflect on the power of their generosity to create impact,” says Warren Farrer, CEO at the DO MORE FOUNDATION. “Every small act of kindness, whether through time, resources, or thoughtful giving, helps lay a stronger foundation for the next generation.”

By choosing to give the gift of impact, South Africans can make a meaningful difference to young children, their families and the broader community in need, ensuring they too feel the warmth and magic of the season.