Time to give the gift of kindness
There is a variety of ways you can reach out and share your love today
FOR many, Valentine’s Day is less about being struck by Cupid’s arrows as it is about avoiding the day altogether.
The Sun, Moon and Mercury may all be going about their business, while leaving your star sign out of the equation this Valentine’s Day, but there are far more tangible forces at play back here on Earth.
Some sceptics may be liberally using Doom spray to dispel any love that’s in the air, while others prefer to celebrate the enduring company of family and friends. But why not also single out some deserving souls and share the love with those infrequently touched by kindness?
A CAUSE WITH CLAWS
Let your passion for wildlife conservation run wild in conjunction with the valuable work of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT).
Take the pledge “to keep all carnivores wild and free” before getting your teeth into the trust’s vast information resources and finding out how to get involved.
Encompassing biodiversity and business, through to the preservation of threatened species and habitats, this invaluable network is more than just paws for thought.
SMILE YOUR HEART OUT
It’s said that a smile can change the world, but what if you could change the world for those who are desperate to smile without hindrance?
Operation Smile and The Smile Foundation are helping to make this dream come true by providing health care for children with facial conditions.
These non-profit organisations have helped hundreds of thousands of children to beam with confidence and conduct research into the prevention and eradication of cleft lips and palates.
LOVE TO LEARN
Nelson Mandela left behind a legacy of love that continues to extend from each generation to the next. The Nelson Mandela School Library Project is doing sterling work in the same vein by converting shipping containers into libraries for school children. This initiative is boosting the literacy levels of over 80 000 children daily, and needs your help in educating the young minds of the future.
SCORE!
It’s goals galore for non-profit organisation Grassroots Soccer, particularly in terms of teaming up for an Aids-free generation. The organisation is geared towards youth development, health and wellness and the cultivation of young people to become agents for change and upliftment in their communities. Through a range of activities and donation options, you can help break the cycle of HIV and assist youngsters on their path to brighter futures.
PINK PASSIONS
Breast health and awareness is important all year round and health sector NGO PinkDrive is dedicated to providing vital access to education and cancer support, while promoting early detection as a means of prolonging life.
PinkDrive also offers countless volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved, including an annual calendar of exciting events.
■ To support these charitable causes or other important causes close to your heart, visit www.relate. org.za/shop