At the start of the year, Hot Cares joined forces with Roman’s Pizza to support a vital initiative at the University of Pretoria—the Student Nutrition and Progress Programme (SNAPP). As seen in the original story, the impact was immediate and profound: seven financially needy students received nutritional support for the entire academic year, to the value of R70,000.

That support didn’t just fill stomachs—it restored dignity, lifted pressure, and gave these young people the chance to focus on what matters most: their studies. “Knowing you have a meal for the day might sound small to some, but for our students, it’s everything,” explains Dagmar Kahn, Senior Development Specialist for SNAPP.

And the ripple effect is undeniable. Thanks to that intervention, 10 students were supported with meal vouchers that allowed them to eat one nutritious meal a day at campus outlets, without stigma or separation. “Dignity is of utmost importance to us,” says Dagmar. “Our students queue like everyone else. They’re part of the community. They don’t have to feel different just because they’re hungry.”

The programme, which also distributes bi-monthly food parcels, has improved academic performance by 25% among its recipients. And with over 2,000 applications received each semester, the need remains critical. “This is not just a UP issue,” Dagmar adds. “Up to 38% of students nationally face food insecurity. It’s a silent epidemic.”

This July, as part of our “Hot Cares Christmas in July” campaign, we’re back on the ground to feed those who are feeding others. On the 30th of July, nearly 300 volunteers will be coming together to pack food parcels for fellow students in need—and Hot Cares is stepping in to make sure they’re all nourished and hydrated throughout the day.

We’re covering all food and refreshments for the volunteers, to the value of R30,000. And we’re not just sponsoring—we’re showing up. The Hot Cares team will be there, rolling up our sleeves and working alongside this remarkable network of volunteers. “I’m gobsmacked,” Dagmar responded on hearing the news. “This makes such a big difference—just to acknowledge the contribution of the volunteers who are giving their time for such a vital cause.”

Turning water into hope: The Love Ones of God

Beyond campus borders, Hot Cares also extended support to The Love Ones of God—a Brakpan-based non-profit caring for 143 elderly, disabled individuals and 15 children. In their effort to become self-sustainable, the organisation established a water bottling facility using borehole water, with the goal of generating income to support those in their care.

To help them take the final step toward launching this initiative, Hot Cares covered the R34,600 needed for packaging materials.

This investment goes beyond charity…

It empowers a long-standing organisation to feed and support its community with dignity, independence, and lasting impact.

Daily bread, daily dignity: Wings of Inspiration

Hot Cares also proudly supports Wings of Inspiration—a Roodepoort-based care centre that provides meals and support to the vulnerable. To help them continue their essential feeding programme, Hot Cares committed to providing 400 loaves of bread each month. “This is giving nutritional meals to our people,” says Director Enter DeCosta. “We’d like to thank Hot Cares from the bottom of our hearts.”

This is the power of your Teddython donations: real impact, real change. Because when we feed the future, we fuel hope.

Thank you for helping us make a difference—one meal, one student, one story at a time.