WHAT began as a heartfelt mission to reach out and help people in need has evolved into an expansive charity initiative, providing essential winter relief to thousands across South Africa with the donation of 20,000 Moti Cares blankets, 12,600 loaves of bread, 33,000 kilograms of staple foods, and sweet treats.
The Moti Cares Foundation and its founder, Zunaid Moti, have officially wrapped up their 2025 Winter Blanket Drive, with final donations distributed to a variety of deserving institutions, many which were selected by Moti’s social media followers.
“There is so much real need in South Africa, with many families living hand-to-mouth, and charities stretching every rand. It rests on each of us, especially corporates, to look around our communities, find those in need, and give whatever help we can. This is the very principle on which Moti Cares is built,” explains Moti.
Touching 20,000 lives, one donation at a time
This year’s campaign spanned two of South Africa’s coldest winter months, impacting the lives of thousands who were grateful for the extra warmth during this period.
From the early June until the end of July, the Moti Cares team travelled across Gauteng, delivering comfort to a wide range of communities, including:
• Katlehong received 800 blankets and 600 loaves of bread.
• Langlaagte and Vrededorp benefited from 2,000 blankets and loaves of bread.
• Soweto embraced 2,000 blankets and loaves of bread.
• Turffontein received 500 blankets, loaves of bread, and warm meals.
• Tsakane graciously accepted 2,700 blankets and loaves of bread.
• Newlands secured 600 blankets and essential groceries.
• Newclare attained 600 blankets and essential groceries.
• Riverlea were thankful for 1,500 blankets and essential groceries.
• Westbury received 600 blankets and essential groceries.
• Alexandra welcomed 1,000 blankets and loaves of bread.
Each donation also included sweet packets for the children
One of the largest handover events took place on Mandela Day at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, where 3,500 blankets and 2,000 loaves of bread were provided to patients in need.
“The hospital serves more than 3,300 patients, and we received word that it was facing a dire shortage of basic bedding. We immediately knew we wanted to help, and we were touched to see the joy and relief that food and some added warmth could bring,” adds Moti.
Other standout moments included visiting the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Coronationville, supporting the Alexandra’s Teddy Foundation, and helping reach vulnerable children through 947’s winter campaign. And in a show of national solidarity, a portion of the blankets were also sent to flood-affected families in the Eastern Cape.
Every handover told a different story. Whether it was a 500-person activation or a large-scale hospital delivery, each event was grounded in dignity, care, and humanity.
“It gives me great peace of mind knowing that 20,000 people will sleep a little warmer at night. That’s what this drive was all about: being present, being human, and doing our part. We’ll be back next year with even bigger plans to serve and uplift local communities.”
Moti Cares, a philanthropic initiative founded by Moti, supports a wide range of causes throughout the year, from entrepreneurship and education to emergency relief.
The Winter Blanket Drive has become one of its most recognised and impactful efforts.
Image supplied (The Moti Cares Foundation and its founder, Zunaid Moti, have officially wrapped up their 2025 Winter Blanket Drive, with final donations distributed to a variety of deserving institutions, many which were selected by Moti’s social media followers).
