Children cuddle their new blankets at Dorah's Ark

South Africa's many homeless persons have little or no way to keep warm during the cold winter months. The Mail & Guardian, in conjunction with Pick 'n Pay, collected blankets during May and distribute these among disadvantaged community members, helping them fend off the cold.

Blankets were given to disadvantaged children, adults and elderly people from different areas of the community.

We had the privilege to meet Dorah Mazibuko, a sweet woman who is passionate and caring about her community. Her soup kitchen is called Dorah's Ark, where she feeds up to 60 people a day. Not only does the centre feed the hungry, but it also tries to use what little resources it has to help empower its community. On June 7, the M&G; paid Dorah's Ark a visit and handed out 160 blankets to old and young.

The M&G; brings warmth to Kliptown, Soweto

The second institution we visited in mid-June was Kingsway Primary School Centre of Concern. A project that began in a garage with seven children has evolved into a school of about 265, catering for children from grade 0 to 7, in classes of 20 to 30 learners each. The M&G; surprised them with colourful blankets to take home.

Our third blanket hand-out was introduced to us by Tiger Brands. It is called the African Community Feeding Scheme. The scheme feeds about 17 000 children and other needy persons daily, and organises empowerment projects for mothers. On July 7, the scheme took us along to Kliptown, Soweto, where it handed out food parcels sponsored by Tiger Brands to 70 needy households. The M&G; once again handed out blankets.

Our last blanket hand-out for the year was at the Women's Build 2006 event at a Thubelisha site, Orange Farm. The Women's Build partners built 50 houses in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Women's March. The event this year also celebrated the signing of the Construction and Property black economic empowerment charters.

The first 25 houses served as a training opportunity for women who are developing businesses in the construction sector. The second phase of 25 houses provided an opportunity for volunteers to participate in the construction of homes. In August, the M&G; donated 150 blankets to the 50 households.

Want to help? Click here to let us know if you are interested in helping Dora's Ark or any other Mail & Guardian community project

Fun day at Dorah's Ark
In late August, the M&G; arranged a fun day with more than 100 children at Dorah's Ark. It was an exciting day for the children as well as the adults. A children's movie was screened and hot dogs and cooldrinks were served while the audience watched the movie. Every now and then one would hear a little child laughing at a scene in the movie. After lunch, movie goodie packs were handed out containing all sorts of snacks for the children to take home.

Dorah's Ark child-care centre: Progress
Dorah's Ark is a soup kitchen that feeds up to 60 people a day. Children arrive in the morning before school to get food for their lunch tins, and any fruit that Dorah receives is saved for these mornings. Adults are given food in the afternoons, as are any children who visit after school.

When we first met Dorah, we fell in love with her, and when we heard how she helps her community we decided this was an initiative in which we needed to get involved.

Desks donated by PG Bison

The centre was rundown and in desperate need of some TLC. Windows were broken, doors no longer hung on the frames and the toilets needed plumbing. The kitchen, which feeds 60, only had a two-plate stove with no temperature dial.

Next to the centre was a large piece of land that Dora had received permission to use. Unfortunately the fence around this piece of land was falling apart. People from the surrounding areas dumped their rubble there at night, which made it an unsafe place for children to play.

The M&G; approached a few companies to help make Dorah's Ark a safer and more enjoyable environment for all the children and adults. Syntell, Glasfit and PG Bison were delighted to help the care centre. Syntell removed all the rubble and replaced the fencing; Glasfit replaced all broken windows; and PG Bison donated desks and chairs where the children can do their homework, as well as cupboards for all their books, and is in the process of revamping the centre's kitchen.

The M&G; and Dorah's Ark would like to thank all readers and involved companies for their assistance and donations to improve the care centre.