This winter, enjoy warmth that comes from within

Giving blankets, food and winter clothing to the most needy people in our communities not only warms cold bodies. It warms the heart of the giver, in a way that’s difficult to explain.

Time and again, our Vincentians speak about the reactions of those  we help. Poor people living on the streets, or in flimsy shacks of wood and tin, which offer little protection from the freezing cold. Icy wind finds its way through the cracks in the walls and whistles through the streets, under the bridges and doorways where people huddle.

When they say thanks with gratitude and a smiling face, it makes us feel that we can’t and won’t stop helping to make their lives a little bit better.

And you can experience this same joy of giving by making your donation right here and now. Let us be your proxy … carrying your gift of love and care to those who are cold, hungry and homeless this winter. Putting ‘your’ blanket, jacket, warm socks, or plate of hot, nourishing stew into their grateful hands.

These gifts of love and care warm their hearts too. It means so much to know that others ‘see’ you. That they feel your struggles and are willing to offer comfort and support.

Knowing that our Lord never turned His back on poor people in need, members of the Society of St Vincent de Paul seek out those who are suffering. We provide hundreds of warm meals at soup kitchens across South Africa. And hand out donations of warm clothing, beanies and blankets to the poorest of the poor. But we can only do this if others help. Caring people like you!

Your gift of any amount makes a difference. Not only to those who are suffering and in distress this winter, but to your own happiness.

Because, how can we enjoy our blessings when others are hurting? Please help us provide winter warmth where it’s needed most. Thank you and may God bless you.