Christel House South Africa launches urgent appeal to feed 1,000 families through its ‘Buckets of Hope’ campaign

Cape Town, South Africa — Christel House South Africa has issued an urgent call for support to help feed 1,000 families this December. With only three weeks left before schools close, the non-profit, no-fee school must still raise R250 000 to ensure every student can take home a Bucket of Hope filled with essential groceries for the holidays.

Each R350 donation provides a family with a Bucket of Hope containing nutritious staples, including maize, pasta, soya mince, samp and beans and more.

Christel House SA serves children from some of Cape Town’s most under-resourced communities and provides daily nutritious meals throughout the school year. When the school closes for the December holidays, families experience a sharp rise in food insecurity, often unsure of where their next meal will come from. During this time, a Bucket of Hope becomes a vital source of stability, offering immediate relief and ensuring children have nourishing food at a moment when they need it most.

Thanks to compassionate donors, more than R100 000 has already been raised, one-third of the total goal. However, an additional R250 000 is urgently needed to reach all 1,000 families before the December break.

Supporters are encouraged to amplify their impact by rallying friends, colleagues or corporate teams. Sponsoring a full class of 30 students costs R10 500 and ensures every child returns home with a bucket in hand, knowing their family will have food for the weeks ahead.

“Our Buckets of Hope, filled with essential non-perishables, help keep our students nourished and stabilise households during a very vulnerable time. Working closely with our families, we see every day just how critical this support is — and we cannot meet the need alone,” says Lara Black, Development & Partnerships Director at Christel House South Africa. “As the festive season approaches, we urge corporates to rethink traditional year-end gifts and sponsor a Bucket of Hope instead. Each donation can be personalised, turning a simple gesture into one of genuine meaning and impact,” says Lara Black.

Every contribution counts. Section 18A tax certificates are available upon request for donors.

To make a donation, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Bucket of Hope”, and Christel House South Africa’s Development and Partnerships Director, Lara Black will work with you to create a personalised and branded message to the family receiving the support.

Alternatively, visit www.sa.christelhouse.org/donate and reference ‘hope’, your initials and surname.