Keep Cape Town Warm 2026 wraps up successful winter relief drive across city

Blankets were distributed to those in need.

The 2026 Keep Cape Town Warm campaign has officially come to an end after eight weeks of coordinated winter relief efforts, with organisers describing it as one of the most successful drives in the initiative’s history, Weekend Argus reported.

Led by Good Hope FM in partnership with the Community Chest and the City of Cape Town, the campaign brought together schools, businesses and residents across the metro to support vulnerable communities during the winter season.

Final figures show that Capetonians contributed 3,012 blankets, 12,238 food items and 135 additional essentials, including clothing, shoes and toys for children. The drive also raised R310,000 in cash donations to support further procurement of essential goods.

Corporate partners contributed significantly to the fundraising total, including R150,000 from the Community Chest, R100,000 from Barons, R50,000 from Capitec and R10,000 from Pick n Pay. These funds will be used to secure additional blankets and relief items for those most affected by cold weather conditions.

Roger Goode from The Roger Goode Breakfast being sandwiched by Sunlands Primary School pupils.

A key feature of this year’s campaign was a strengthened partnership model between organisers and the City of Cape Town. Under the arrangement, 20% of all cash and in-kind donations will be directed to the city’s community upliftment programmes, aimed at improving distribution and support for shelters and high-need areas.

Good Hope FM’s Roger Goode Breakfast Show played a central role in driving public participation, broadcasting live from schools across the city to encourage donations and community involvement. Station personalities also used their platforms to expand awareness and boost contributions throughout the campaign period.

Masi Mdingane, Business Manager for Good Hope FM and 5FM, praised the public response, saying the campaign reflects the spirit of the city.

"Every winter, Capetonians remind us what this city is made of—massive heart, massive generosity and massive life-saving impact," he said.

City of Cape Town Director of Communications Priya Reddy said the initiative highlights the importance of ongoing collaboration in addressing winter hardship.

"Each year we see, firsthand, the dire needs from communities during the City’s harsh winter months. We remain committed to partnerships like this one to help the most vulnerable residents of our City," she said.

Organisers said the campaign, which has run for more than a decade, continues to provide a vital safety net for people without adequate shelter or protection from the cold, with this year’s efforts expected to offer meaningful support as winter conditions intensify.