Rays of Hope, which has been working with the Alexandra community to bring lasting change to its residents for 30 years, has opened its third annual #WarmUpAlex appeal for donations of blankets and warm clothes to protect Alex’s families from the ravages of winter.
“Winters in Alex are brutal for vulnerable families who feel the brunt of Johannesburg’s notorious cold spells – which are even more heart-breaking to endure if they don’t have proper shelter, safe heaters, or even warm clothes. #WarmUpAlex sets out to help them keep warm, and safe,” says Sihle Mooi, CEO at Rays of Hope.
In 2019 when the initiative began, Rays of Hope, in partnership with 24 other non-profit organisations (NPOs) also working within Alex, provided food, blankets and warm clothes to over 6,000 Alex residents in need.
Despite a shift in method and focus in 2020, in response to the community’s needs arising out of the pandemic, which saw them provide food to over 70,000 of the most vulnerable people, Rays of Hope is again appealing for help from people and businesses in the area to help keep the people of Alex warm this winter.
“We know there are many people who want to help, but who may not have the blankets or warm clothes to donate. A family sponsorship of just R250 can make a vast difference in the life of an Alex family, helping them with warm clothes, non-perishable food, and basic cold and flu medicine,” says Mooi.
Donations will be distributed as they are received. Companies are encouraged to drive collections within their office blocks, and individuals are asked to rally their communities to collect new or pre-loved items in good condition to help streamline the process.
Contributions can be dropped off at these locations:
Sandton City, Centre Court Info Kiosk
Rays of Hope’s Alexandra office (2 Lupin Avenue, Marlboro Gardens), and
Rays of Hope’s Sandton office (corner St Andrew’s Road and William Nicol Drive in Hurlingham).
Cash donations can be made into the following account:
Rays of Hope
Nedbank
Account number: 1972 126 903
REF: WarmUpAlex
For more information and to request a special Rays of Hope collection box for your office, contact info@RaysOfHope.co.za. Monetary donations will also be gratefully received and will be eligible for a Section 18A certificate.
