As winter slowly begins to grip South Africa, it sends with it a stark reminder of the inequalities faced by many. According to the 2023 General Household Survey by Statistics South Africa, approximately 12.2% of households resided in informal dwellings. The 2022 national census reported 55,719 individuals experiencing homelessness in South Africa. For these vulnerable groups, surviving the colder months becomes a matter of urgency.
In response, RE/MAX of Southern Africa encourages South Africans to rally together in acts of generosity that can make a meaningful difference this winter. Whether through organized initiatives or small gestures, every act of kindness helps.
1. Organize or Join a Local Fundraiser
From charity fun runs to bake sales, community fundraisers are a great way to raise support and awareness for local causes. If there aren’t any existing events in your area, consider hosting your own. A simple game night with friends—be it poker, trivia, or board games—can become a charitable event by collecting entry fees and donating the proceeds to a nonprofit of your choice. Local Facebook groups and community pages are great resources for finding events or reaching out to organize your own.
2. Volunteer your Time and Skills
Beyond material donations, your time and expertise can be invaluable to organizations supporting the homeless. Many shelters and community outreach programmes rely on volunteers to help prepare and serve meals, offer basic health checks, provide tutoring or literacy support, or simply spend time engaging with people who often feel invisible. Reach out to local NPOs or shelters to find out how you can lend a hand. Your presence could provide the support and dignity someone needs this winter.
3. Donate Winter Essentials
Blankets, coats, hats, gloves, and scarves can offer crucial warmth to those facing freezing temperatures. Donations can be dropped off at local shelters or charities that serve the homeless. Animal shelters, too, often struggle during winter—donating pet blankets and food can help provide comfort to animals in need.
RE/MAX of Southern Africa is also running its annual Coats & Cans Winter Drive. With over 3,300 agents across the country, the initiative calls on both the RE/MAX network and the public to donate warm clothing, non-perishable food items, and pet supplies.
“These donations are collected at participating RE/MAX offices nationwide and distributed to shelters and nonprofit organizations at the end of the season,” explains Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
Last year, RE/MAX agents were able to make a valuable difference across the country as part of this campaign. Some of the collections included:
- RE/MAX Property Professionals donated essential food supplies to the residents of Huis John Vorster Old Age Home in Queenstown.
- RE/MAX Property Centre delivered essential donations to the Circle of Love NPO in Cape Town.
- RE/MAX First donated clothing, toys, and blankets to Grace in Action in Bloemfontein.
- RE/MAX Lagoon Estates handed over their collection to Langebaan Feed The Need and Team Langebaan.
- RE/MAX Horizon’s donations went to Huis Lesedi in Hartebeespoort.
- RE/MAX Unlimited donated their collection to the MES Homeless Support Centre in Durbanville.
- RE/MAX Property Associates donated food and clothing items to Home of Hope in Blaauwberg.
- RE/MAX Border donated clothing, shoes and food items, including pet food, to the CHOC Foundation in the Western Cape.
- RE/MAX Evolve generously donated their collection to those in need at the Daily Bread Org in Chartwell, Gauteng.
- After a tornado struck the North Coast of Natal, RE/MAX Dolphin Realtors agents rallied to support, redirecting their "Coats and Cans" initiative donations to aid the affected individuals and families.
- RE/MAX Panache gave their donations to a representative from Our Lady of Fatima Parish to support the needy in Tongaat and nearby areas.
- Other offices who dropped off donations at local charities included RE/MAX Unlimited in Tokai; RE/MAX Coast and Country in Hibberdene, Port Sheptone, Shelly Beach, Southbroom & Scottburgh; and RE/MAX Premier who supported multiple organisations in the Greater Cape Town Area.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every RE/MAX office, agent, and client who contributed to last year’s Coats & Cans Drive and who are planning to support this year’s drive again. Your generosity and community spirit continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing a harsh winter. It’s inspiring to see how, when we come together, we can bring warmth and hope to so many,” he concludes.
