Volunteers from Sewa International South Africa sorting through blankets as part of their Winter Warmth Blanket Drive
Image: SUPPLIED
For many South Africans living in informal settlements, care homes, homes for the elderly, homeless shelters, and animal shelters, winter is a struggle for survival as they face freezing nights without adequate warmth.
For the last five years, Sewa International South Africa, a humanitarian organisation dedicated to selfless service and community upliftment, has run a Winter Warmth Blanket Drive with the goal of ensuring that no one is left out in the cold. What began as a community initiative has grown into one of the organisation’s most impactful annual drives.
In 2024, the organisation surpassed its initial target of 1,000 blankets and distributed more than 1,100 blankets to people and animals in need. In 2025, over 1,070 blankets were distributed across Durban and Johannesburg through the efforts of volunteers who spent time planning, sorting, packing and delivering them.
This year, a volunteer team has been working behind the scenes through social media campaigns, WhatsApp outreach and community engagement.
Shailan Nundkumar, programme coordinator, said: “A blanket may seem simple to many of us, but for someone sleeping in the cold, it can mean dignity, comfort, safety and even survival. Every year we witness the emotion in the eyes of people receiving these blankets. That moment reminds us why this drive matters so much.”
“Over the years, the initiative has become much more than a seasonal charity drive. For many recipients, it serves as a reminder that they are not forgotten, that there are people within the community who genuinely care about their wellbeing,” Nundkumar said.
Blanket distributions are scheduled for 24 May. The blankets collected will be distributed to shelters, children’s homes, struggling families, informal settlements, old‑age homes and animal shelters.
Nundkumar encouraged the public to support the initiative by donating new blankets, sponsoring blankets financially, assisting with collections and distributions, or helping spread awareness about the campaign.
Those wishing to contribute can contact Shailan on 079 696 5188, Dheevesh on 083 284 6616, Mogie on 084 624 1062, and for Johannesburg on 082 920 4475.