PEN

31/05/2026

It’s cold. And getting colder. But isolation is often colder than the weather.
Step closer, huddle up. Because hope grows best in community.
A warm jacket or a hot meal is a beautiful thing—but the human connection behind it is what truly heals. This winter, let’s share what we have to ensure no one faces the freeze alone.

How you can spark hope today:
We are collecting blankets, warm clothing, shoes, non-perishable food, and new men’s socks/underwear.

📍 Drop-off details: 870 Park Street, Arcadia, or see the full list of drop-off points on https://winterhoop.org

30/05/2026

"This is the kind of young men we are raising." 👇

First, a massive THANK YOU! Because of your incredible generosity, 325 dignity packs are officially ready to go—and we are still counting!

This winter, you’ll notice sanitary pads are being included in our packs for boys, too. This decision came straight from our hearts after a recent moment at Pendula that we will never forget.

A teenage boy chose to spend his hard-earned points on sanitary products. When a mentor gently double-checked if he meant to, he replied: "Yes, I need it for my mom. I know how she struggles when she doesn't have money for this."

He isn't the only one. We’ve watched several of our young men use their points to buy these essentials for their mothers and sisters. As one of our staff members beautifully put it: "This is the kind of boys we are raising."

To see young men stepping up to care for the women in their families with no hesitation or shame? That is the movement of change we talk about. That is the kind of community we are building together.

Thank you for making these moments possible. Let’s keep huddling up!

📍 Drop-off for Dignity Packs, Blankets, winter clothes and "Sucks and Jocks": 870 Park Street, Arcadia

28/05/2026

This winter, we aren’t just handing out charity. We are offering a hand up. It’s about restoring dignity, one warm layer at a time, and reminding our neighbors that they belong to a community that cares.
We need your help to collect:
Clean blankets & warm clothes/shoes
New socks & underwear for men
Non-perishable food items

Drop off at 870 Park Street, Arcadia, or your local participating church. See https://winterhoop.org for all drop-off points.

28/05/2026

Registrations are still open for tomorrow's tennis tournament - don't miss out on the tennis and fun!
The tuckshop will be open and fires ready - bring your own meat to braai or buy boerewors rolls from the club.
Remember your blanket!

26/05/2026

The difference between "It’s getting chilly" and "How will I survive this winter?" isn’t attitude—it’s circumstance.

As the cold sets in, we want to step closer, huddle up, and share our warmth with our neighbors.

A massive, heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who has already knitted, stitched, and donated blankets, beanies, scarves, and jackets. Looking at these beautiful handmade creations, we can truly feel the love!

There is still room in the circle. Want to join the huddle? Drop off your winter warmth donations or get in touch to see how you can help us protect families this season.

26/05/2026

We are at our first market this week! 🥳🙏🏾🚀

Laba will be at the NG Rietfontein-Noord Winter Market from 26 - 30 May. If you are around the area, please come by to join us at the beginning of our journey, with many more markets come! 🚀🚀🚀

In case you didn’t know, Laba is a social enterprise in association with .pen. Our mission is to establish a brand that empowers young people with the skill of soap making as vehicle for job creation. 🎯

We would appreciate your support by either buying one of our Laba Bars 🧼 or by supporting us at PEN, by volunteering your time or donating towards the needs of our projects.

As always we strive to live up to our name and mission. Laba is the soap for the people. 🙏🏾✊🏾🙌🏾

25/05/2026

Join us this Friday at Rietondale Tennis Club.
Registrations close on Wednesday - don't miss out!

25/05/2026

Contact us to register for this Friday's tennis tournament and help raise funds for WinterHope.
Thuso 0845378702

21/05/2026

And we're off! The PEN Study Camp is officially underway. 🎒✏️
For the next month, high school learners from Sunnyside and Arcadia have a safe space to focus, study, and thrive. With daily access to tutors, healthy snacks, and lunch, we’re fueling both their minds and bodies.
Let's do this!

21/05/2026

Contact us for Pretoria drop-off points.
Let’s huddle up and stay warm this Winter

Most of us feel winter as an inconvenience. ❄️

For thousands of South Africans, it's something far more serious — cold nights without shelter, mornings without food, winters without warmth.
This is the reality WinterHope exists to change.
Before the end of May, we'll be on the ground in Pretoria, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Bloemfontein — bringing blankets, clothing, meals, and dignity to those who need it most.
Winter is coming. The need is already here. Find out how you can help at winterhoop.org.