As much as all of us at Hello Garden Route love to help visitors experience the best of the Garden Route through beautiful accommodations and a wide variety of suggested activities, we also believe in the spirit of community and giving back.
Hello Garden Route is a proud sponsor of several non-profit organisations that fulfil the needs and take care of the wellbeing of individuals who need it most. From providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children to funding medical assistance and assisting a pro-life animal shelter, these incredible organisations believe in spreading the wealth to create a brighter future.
Seven Passes Initiative
Established in 2008, the Seven Passes Initiative has worked tirelessly to make a positive difference in the rural communities of Touwsranten and Hoekwil (approx 30km from George). By growing their understanding of the effects of poverty, alcohol abuse and domestic violence on families in this community, Seven Passes have made a measurable difference in the lives of the residents by preventing violence and improving youth education and opportunities.
From offering after-school daycare to helping children with learning disabilities to read and write and working to prevent violence, Seven Passes provides a haven in which all people, children and adults, can realise their potential and overcome the limitations of poverty and inequality.
For more information on the Seven Passes Initiative or to donate, click here
The Angel Network
In a country where a majority of the population struggles in poverty, it can be hard to pick just one organisation to help, which is why The Angel Network extends a broader net. Truly living up to its name, The Angel Network offers assistance to established welfare organisations all over South Africa by facilitating and mobilising acts of kindness.
By offering assistance whenever and wherever help is needed, these angels make a genuine difference in the lives of countless individuals through their network of over 30 charities. Run solely via the reach and power of social media, The Angel Network focuses on creating a gateway to giving, alleviating poverty and eliminating social injustices, while empowering those they help to reach their full potential. You can join in and help give a hand UP rather than a handout.
For more information on how The Angel Network impacts lives or to donate, click here
IYX Africa
As urban living has become the standard, it has become easy to overlook the needs of people staying in remote and rural areas. IYX Africa aims to change that. With a passion for SAN youth development in remote and rural areas, IYX Africa works to educate the youth on sustainable development. This includes teaching much-needed skills such as natural food growing, environmentalism, natural wellness, and the ability to use their culture and skills as makers of indigenous wooden artefacts as a means of earning an income.
Another way IYX Africa makes a difference is by providing wood-burning stoves to assist families that live without electricity and running water to make food and heat water, easing their daily struggles. A little help goes a long way.
If you would like to participate or read up on IYX Africa, click here
Breadline Africa
When it comes to creating a brighter future, education is an essential part of building that future. Breadline Africa doesn’t just believe in helping kids do better in school, but also in providing a safe and secure environment for them to learn in. By creating infrastructure that includes building classrooms, bathrooms, kitchen’s, and primary school libraries, children can learn in a comfortable space, giving teachers the mental freedom to focus on teaching. To provide a well-rounded childhood, the Breadline team also organises seaside outings to help kids have fun and socialise.
Since the first lockdown in March 2020, Breadline has focused its efforts on the immediate needs of the community by implementing emergency feeding programmes. To date, they have provided nearly 3 million meals to people in need!
If you would like more information on Breadline Africa or would like to donate, click here
Doctors Without Borders
Reliable, accessible and affordable healthcare has long been a problem throughout Africa. For residents and children in areas without access to healthcare, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has been a blessing – literally saving and improving the lives of countless individuals.
Considered by many (us included) to be heroes without capes, the healthcare workers, volunteers and organisations involved work together in teams to respond to the medical needs of those affected by conflict, disasters, epidemics and anyone excluded from safe healthcare. Along with providing much-needed healthcare, Doctors Without Borders also helps raise awareness of the harsh reality people in these areas face and use their global platform to mobilise support. They are Medical. Principled. Practical. Professional. Human – and in our opinion – a godsend.
For more information on Doctors Without Borders or to donate, click here
ODIN
At Hello Garden Route, we are an animal-loving bunch, and when we heard about Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need (ODIN), we jumped in to help. ODIN is a wonderful pro-life organisation that focuses on outreach programmes for dogs and cats in need in the Karoo and Eden Districts.
By providing a loving environment and dedicated staff to take care of and cuddle them, our rescues are medicated and rehabilitated until we can find them a loving family to give them their new forever home. From donations of all kinds and voluntary foster families, ODIN needs and appreciates all the help they get to give these lovely creatures a chance at a new life.
If you are interested in adopting or fostering a four-legged friend, the ODIN kennels are at the Municipal Pound in Oudtshoorn and Blanco, George.
For more information on ODIN or to donate, click here
Tiny Owls Baby Home
Located in Durbanville, Cape Town – South Africa, Tiny Owls Baby Home provides temporary safety care to abandoned and relinquished babies awaiting adoption.
With a dedicated team of tender & loving carers, they provide a secure, nurturing environment for up to six babies at a time in a beautiful purpose-built nursery. They ensure that every baby receives comprehensive medical attention and the necessary intervention they require to give them the best possible start in life.
Tiny Owls Baby Home is a registered NPC, NPO, PBO and B-BBEE Level 1 contributor, with a duly constituted Board of Directors to ensure good corporate governance.
Since its founding in September 2018 by Kim and Wayne Allen, Tiny Owls Baby Home has provided care for 40 babies (1 June 2022).
If you would like more information on Tiny Owls, and to share love with a donation, click here
Another worthy cause:
Land of Hope
When we think of superstitions, most of us will think of avoiding cracks in the pavement or perhaps not saying a certain number out loud. In Nigeria, superstition is a deadly pandemic, with adults often abandoning innocent children accused of witchcraft, leaving them vulnerable to torture and even death.
With care, protection and education for the children and the residents of the surrounding communities, Land of Hope are building a future where abandoned children will have the chance to grow up to be independent, active and social individuals who will contribute to the development of their community. No child should suffer due to the superstitions of adults, and Land of Hope, along with providing a loving home for these children, works to eradicate the roots that superstition thrives on.
For more information on Land of Hope or to donate to the cause, click here
The world can sometimes feel like a dark place, but it is organisations like these that shine a light and remind us that the world is also full of incredible people who believe in making a difference. We at Hello Garden Route consider the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible group of organisations a true privilege and look forward to the difference we can make in the future. Remember, we can do more together! By booking your happy holidays with us, you help us help others – so thank you too!!
