Kickstart the new year by volunteering in Durban
It takes a caring heart to get involved with volunteer work. If you’re a student who is studying in a particular field, it may be worthwhile taking the opportunity to volunteer in the environments you’ll be working in one day. And, for everyone else, try giving back this year. It’ll do your soul the world of good.
Here are a variety of different charity organisations to consider:
- Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife
For animal lovers who are looking to donate their time, CROW (Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife) is a hospital which brings in injured or neglected wild animals and birds. Situated in Yellowwood Park in Durban, the centre cares for animals and looks after them. According to this article, almost 90% of animals that are admitted to the centre are due to human negligence and abuse. On the premises, the wonderful and dedicated staff create a little ‘home’ that is similar to their natural environments to ensure that they are comfortable and at ease. If you are looking for something rewarding to do, this rescue centre is a good start. It will really open your eyes to the beauty these little creatures have to offer.
- The African Art Centre
Calling all art lovers to explore the wonderful works of art at The African Art Centre. If you’re interested in arts and craft, you will quickly appreciate the effort and energy that goes into creating a piece. This non-governmental organisation contributes to the development and promotion of art. At this centre, the volunteers and workers provide innovative skills development and training by actively discovering, encouraging and nurturing works of fair trade creativity. This is a wonderful opportunity to show respect and dignity to these artists and craftsmen, by spending some time there and promoting it yourself.
- We are Durban
We are Durban can be described as an ‘outsource’ organisation. They source people to assist with already well-established organisations to make a difference. As much as there is always good work taking place everywhere, these wonderful places often lack resources, structure and proper management to succeed. However, with We are Durban, they contact the NPOs to identify their needs, and then they help source people who can help them achieve their goals. A very good comparison is Doctors Without Borders. How to begin working with Doctors Without Borders is a similar process in the sense that you volunteer your talents. If you cannot do that, you are also able to donate with money. Every bit counts.
- The Durban Children’s Home
Also known as the Durban Child and Youth Care Centre, this non-governmental organisation is a welfare centre that cares for and looks after orphaned and vulnerable children. The caretakers and workers ensure that these children receive the best possible treatment and services to increase their chances of becoming well-adjusted and healthy functioning people one day. Many of these children arrive at the centre as a result of unemployment, poverty, crime, domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual abuse and HIV/AIDS. Volunteering at this kind of home requires someone who is passionate about people and seeing them grow because of their help and assistance. As mentioned, financial donations are just as welcome, but it will be quite a touching experience to see and work with these children. The slightest of care and want to help can really make such a long-term difference in these children’s lives.
- The Sunflower Fund
People who have experienced the loss of a loved one as a result of leukaemia will take this fund to heart. Formed in 1999 by a woman who watched her son struggle through this sickness, the aim was to increase the number of bone marrow stem cell donors in South Africa. Today, the fund is structured around educating and recruiting potential bone marrow stem cell donors onto the South African Bone Marrow Registry. People can donate money to add to their funds, as well as volunteer by generating awareness.
- Open Air School
Nestled in the suburb of Glenwood in Durban, this brilliant school caters for high school and junior learners who are physically challenged. This is an incredible experience because you get to watch these children grow and excel, no matter their disability. The school caters to more than 250 learners, with talent that exceeds expectation, especially in sports like para-cycling and rowing. Volunteers who enjoy working with learners, teaching and being around people would enjoy this type of position.
Final words
There are so many things to do in Durban without having to spend money. For example, giving back is a great activity which doesn’t always require money. Time is just as important, and even more rewarding. If this is something you could be interested in doing, make your mark and start today.