When people think about changing the world, they often imagine huge donations or grand gestures.
But real change usually starts much closer to home.
A warm blanket on a cold night.
A bag of groceries for a struggling family.
A donated jacket.
A volunteer giving up a few hours of their time.
Gqeberha is fortunate to have incredible organisations working every day to support vulnerable people, uplift communities, rescue animals, and create opportunities for those who need them most.
If you’re looking for a way to make a difference, here are five organisations doing amazing work right here in our city.
1. Bet Sheekoom
For many people in Gqeberha, Bet Sheekoom represents hope, compassion, and practical support during difficult times.
For years, the organisation has been dedicated to serving vulnerable members of the community through outreach initiatives, support programmes, feeding schemes, and practical assistance where it is needed most.
What makes Bet Sheekoom so special is its commitment to restoring dignity and providing support to people who often have nowhere else to turn.
Behind every meal, every donation, and every act of kindness is a team working tirelessly to make a real difference in people’s lives.
If you’re looking for an organisation deeply rooted in the local community and making a meaningful impact every day, Bet Sheekoom is a wonderful place to start.
How You Can Help
• Donate food and essential items
• Volunteer your time
• Support fundraising initiatives
• Share awareness about their work
2. MES Gqeberha
Homelessness is a challenge that affects communities across South Africa, and MES is one of the organisations working hard to create long-term solutions.
MES provides shelter, skills development, support programmes, and opportunities that help individuals rebuild their lives and regain independence.
Their mission goes beyond simply providing temporary assistance. They focus on creating pathways to stability, employment, and a brighter future.
This is a cause particularly close to our hearts at My Hometown Café and Voodoo Media, and we are proud to support the incredible work they do within our community.
How You Can Help
• Donate clothing and household goods
• Volunteer your time
• Support fundraising drives
• Share awareness on social media
3. MES Thrift Store
The MES Thrift Store proves that one person’s unwanted item can become another person’s opportunity.
Every donation and every purchase helps generate funds that support the broader work of MES while also providing affordable clothing, books, furniture, and household goods to members of the community.
It’s a simple but incredibly effective way to support local outreach efforts while embracing sustainability.
We are proud supporters of the MES Thrift Store and regularly encourage people to donate, shop, and get involved.
How You Can Help
• Donate quality pre-loved items
• Shop at their second-hand stores and pop-up shops
• Volunteer at events
• Encourage friends and family to donate
4. SPCA Gqeberha
Few organisations work harder for those who cannot speak for themselves.
The SPCA rescues, rehabilitates, and protects animals throughout Gqeberha. Their team responds to cases of neglect, abuse, abandonment, and injury while also helping animals find loving forever homes.
Every year, countless animals receive lifesaving care because of the dedication of the SPCA team and their supporters.
How You Can Help
• Donate pet food and supplies
• Volunteer your time
• Sponsor an animal
• Adopt a pet
5. Love Story
Love Story has become one of Gqeberha’s most recognised community upliftment organisations.
Through food relief, education support, outreach programmes, and practical assistance, they continue to improve the lives of countless families throughout our city.
What makes Love Story unique is their ability to bring businesses, volunteers, and communities together around a shared goal of creating positive change.
How You Can Help
• Volunteer at outreach projects
• Donate food and essentials
• Support fundraising initiatives
• Become a regular donor
Why Supporting Local Matters
One of the most powerful things about supporting local charities is knowing that your contribution stays within your own community.
A donated blanket may help someone sleep warmly tonight.
A bag of groceries may help feed a family this week.
A volunteer’s time may completely change someone’s future.
You don’t need to change the world overnight.
Sometimes changing one person’s world is enough.
Want to Help but Not Sure Where to Start?
Many people want to help but simply don’t have the time to travel around the city dropping off donations.
That’s where we can help.
If you’d like to support any of these organisations, you’re welcome to drop your donations off at My Hometown Café and we will do our best to ensure they are delivered to the organisations that need them most.
Whether it’s a bag of clothing, blankets, books, non-perishable food, toiletries, pet food, household goods, or other useful items, every donation has the potential to make a real difference.
Commonly Needed Donations
• Clothing and shoes
• Blankets and bedding
• Non-perishable food items
• Books and educational materials
• Toiletries and personal care products
• Household goods and kitchenware
• Pet food and animal supplies
Donation Drop-Off Point
📍 My Hometown Café
18 Newton Street, Newton Park, Gqeberha
If you’re unsure whether an item can be donated, simply pop in and chat to our team.
Giving Back Starts Here
At My Hometown Café, we believe strong communities are built when people support one another.
Whether you choose to support Bet Sheekoom, MES, the MES Thrift Store, the SPCA, Love Story, or another worthy cause, every contribution helps make Gqeberha a better place for everyone.
Together, we can create lasting change, one act of kindness at a time.
And if you’d like a convenient place to start, our doors are always open.
☕ My Hometown Café
📍 18 Newton Street, Newton Park, Gqeberha
Because kindness is always worth sharing.