10 Organisations to Volunteer For in Johannesburg
Volunteers are what keep most non-profit organisations running, and when it comes to improving the lives of others, there can never be enough assistance. From working with newborn babies to reading to the blind, here are 10 organisations in Johannesburg to volunteer for.
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Kids Haven
Kids Haven children’s shelter was founded in 1992 and provides a safe place for homeless children in the Benoni area. The main aim is to reintegrate these children back into their communities. Volunteering options include helping children with homework, supplying food, and working in the charity shop.
Magical Moments
Magical Moments is a sanctuary for underprivileged children where they can learn and play in a structured and safe environment. From dance and art classes to music lessons, this non-profit organisation is a dream come true for underprivileged kids. Volunteers are expected to interact with the children, as well as help with everything ranging from marketing to events.
Better SA
Better SA might just be the easiest way to offer your services to those in need. Whether you’re interested in working with children, poverty stricken communities or animals, Better SA will set you up to volunteer in no time. All you have to do is decide how you would like to volunteer, contact Better SA, and show up. They’ll even drive you to the destination!
Johannesburg Dream Center
Volunteering at Johannesburg Dream Center is all about making a difference while having fun. Volunteering opportunities range from packing Christmas boxes or grocery packs for the less fortunate to more skilled opportunities, such as helping with strategies and marketing.
South African National Council for the Blind
Volunteering with the South African National Council for the Blind is a rewarding experience as you’ll get to meet interesting people and work as part of an enthusiastic team. Volunteers can help with events, raising funds, spreading awareness, reading to the blind and taking them on excursions, or by offering expertise to staff.
Door of Hope
Door of Hope offers shelter for abandoned babies and aims to reunite them with their families. The organisation also makes adoption arrangements to place these babies into loving homes. The application process is quite strict but once successful, volunteers can work directly with children at the Door of Hope Village. International volunteers are also welcome and opportunities include feeding and playing with the children.
Alzheimer’s South Africa
Alzheimer’s South Africa runs a few different volunteer programmes, including visiting less fortunate communities to raise awareness, and knitting soft toys for patients. There is also a volunteer group called Race to End Alzheimer’s (REA) who run to raise awareness and funds. Their feats include running all the way from Johannesburg to Durban, approximately 567 kilometres, all for a good cause.
Animal Anti-Cruelty League
The Animal Anti-Cruelty League works across South Africa to fight animal abuse. This is a great opportunity (especially for those who cannot have pets) to spend some time with animals as well as meet new people. If you would like to get more involved, there are also volunteering opportunities in marketing, organising events, and fundraising.
Pug Rescue
Pug Rescue South Africa rescues and rehabilitates pugs and has a very strict rehoming programme to ensure the animals go to loving owners. There are many pugs at the centre and volunteers are welcome to spend time and play with the dogs.
Sandton SPCA
The Sandton SPCA does fantastic work – rehoming animals to loving owners. They run a popular dog walking programme every Saturday from 09h00-12h00, and most volunteers end up staying the whole day.