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Winter has a way of making everything feel a little harder... For many in our communities, it’s not just about cold mornings, but also about staying warm and finding a nourishing meal.

Thanks to some incredible generosity, we were recently able to distribute two meaningful donations: non-perishable food and beautifully handmade knitwear.

The food was collected by the BNI Forté Chapter in Durbanville. When their president, Marzanne van Wyk, reached out, we knew this was something special. This group truly lives out the idea that a rising tide lifts all boats—and then chose to lift others, too. They wanted to support a nearby community, and we’re so grateful they chose Fisantekraal. Their donation was sorted and distributed to five soup kitchens and Charmaine's One Heartbeat Safe House in Fisantekraal, and MES in Durbanville - organisations we’ve had the privilege of supporting for some time.

We also had the privilege of sharing a collection of lovingly handmade knitwear. Each piece was created by a group of remarkable women who give their time and skill so generously. Tannie Lissie, Tannie Estelle, and Tannie Sarie - your kindness is felt in every stitch! These items were distributed to the soup kitchens, Durbanville MES, and Bless a Baby. A big thank you as well to Febe van der Walt for always making sure these items reach us.

The coordinators, caregivers, and community champions who run these organisations were absolutely over the moon receiving the donations, knowing just how much of a difference they’ll make!

It’s impossible not to feel a little emotional witnessing the ripple effect of kindness like this... From those who gave, to those who helped distribute, to those who received - there’s a quiet thread connecting it all! One of generosity, compassion, and a shared belief that even the smallest act can make a meaningful difference.

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The knitwear was thoroughly inspected by Ziggy while we were sorting...!

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Juanita (The One Percent Movement) with Marzanne van Wyk, the president of the BNI Forté Chapter in Durbanville.
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Juanita with Reginald at Durbanville MES.

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Above: The volunteers from Bless a Baby were so grateful for the baby knitwear and blankets! Below: Imagine arriving at a hospital - your baby on the way - with only a handful of meagre items in a plastic bag, and leaving with a fully kitted-out baby hamper with goodies like this inside. That is the magic of Bless a Baby!

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Alletta from Alletta's Soup Kitchen. She shares that in the past few weeks, she's noticed a massive influx of people queuing outside her soup kitchen... "This food is going to be really helpful when what we have prepared can not stretch far enough!" she shares.

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Nellie from Home Jerusalem Soup Kitchen. "Tannie" Nellie is always so expressive! She gushed over the donations!

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Lizzie from Happy Care Home & Lizzie's Soup Kitchen. She says, "Kids line up outside my soup kitchen in the heart of the winter, hungry and without anything warm to wear. This donation will make such a difference!".

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Dennis and Charmaine from One Heartbeat Safe House, with one of the tiny little angels in their loving care.


How you can help

Whether your 1% is R10 or R1000, it doesn’t matter - a culture of giving back is what counts. Our small team has learned that a little really goes a long way; most of our work is fuelled by elbow grease, creativity, and a keen desire to do good. Every bit of support helps us continue transforming lives, uplifting communities, and caring for the voiceless - both human and animal alike.

We welcome contributions of all kinds. You can support us by:

  • Donations of any size – every rand counts!
  • Non-perishable food, fresh veggies
  • Plants/cuttings, and gardening supplies
  • Clothes, knitwear, linen, homeware, furniture
  • Sharing your skills – builders, gardeners, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, handymen (and women!)… we’ll happily put your talents to use.

When in doubt, just reach out and ask — there’s always a way to make a difference!

For monetary donations:

The One Percent Movement
FNB 62924632749 (Gold Business)
Branch: 250655
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ

DONATE NOW

If you would like more information on our current projects or want to get involved, please contact Juanita Berry:
juanita@essentiallynatural.co.za