15 YEARS OF KEEPING CAPE TOWN WARM WITH GOOD HOPE FM: In 2025, the Community Chest of the Western Cape and Good Hope FM celebrated 15 years of Keeping Cape Town Warm. What began as an initiative for Capetonians to make non-monetary donations to support those in need has grown into an iconic fundraising platform, empowering the city to contribute meaningfully to the alleviation of poverty.
 

HEART FM - 16 DAYS FOR YOUTH: The Community Chest partners with Heart FM as a strategic contributor to the 16-Days for Youth initiative. This initiative aims to identify youth-focused organisations in the Western Cape and provide them with the necessary resources to operate effectively, ultimately enabling them to deliver quality services to at-risk youth in previously disadvantaged communities.
 

NATIONAL SHUT DOWN: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent national shutdown on 26 March 2020, the Community Chest opens its doors to the homeless in the Cape Town CBD, providing vital support during this challenging time. The organisation offers shelter, food, essential medical care and development opportunities to those in need, demonstrating its commitment to community welfare and resilience amidst the crisis.
 

KEEP CAPE TOWN WARM: The Community Chest partners with Goodhope FM as the official distribution partner for their ‘Keep Cape Town Warm’ campaign. Aiming to bring Cape Town together for the greater good and ensuring those less fortunate receives a warm blanket and meal during the harsh Cape Town Winter months.
 

ANNIVERSARY: The Community Chest celebrates its 80th anniversary. In 2008/09 financial year, thanks in great part to the continued support of many of the original funders, the Community Chest distributed R20 million to over 500 beneficiaries working in 10 sectors in the Western Cape, an increase of R2.5 million over what was disbursed in the year before.
 

United Way Leadership Conference: Hosted by the Community Chest of the Western Cape.

AFRICA PREMIER OF ‘PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: Jointly hosted by the Community Chest and Childline / Lifeline South Africa.

TAX BREAKS: The Community Chest is awarded S18A tax status, giving donors the opportunity to claim a deduction from their corporate or individual income tax.

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS: The Community Chest and Levi Strauss Foundation facilitates resource capacity development of R2 million to marginalised communities in Fish Hoek, Noordhoek and Kommetjie Valley.

INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATION: The Community Chest of the Western Cape hosts the United Way Worldwide. This is a networking opportunity for volunteers and development professionals around the world.
 

POPULAR RUN: The popularity of the Twilight Fun Run forces a move from Garden on the Foreshore to Parade in Darling Street.
 

BREAKTHROUGH: South Africa celebrates its first democratic elections and the Community Chest Carnival raises a record R769,685.
ADVANCE: The Community Chest advances its Capacity Building Programme, attracting a long list of eager participants. This initiative aims to enhance the skills and effectiveness of community organisations through targeted training and support.
 

OUTREACH: The Community Chest establishes its Resource Development Unit to provide development and training support to community organisations, helping them strengthen their capacity and improve their effectiveness in serving local communities.

MAKING MOVES: The Community Chest moves to Borwick House (Bree Street). A building acquired through the support of the Cape Provincial Administration and the Cape Town Municipality. The property was renovated thanks to a generous donation from the Honourable George Borwick, after whom the building was named.
 

FUN RUN: The Twilight Team Run, established by former Springbok Dave Stewart, began with 600 runners. This event has since grown in popularity, becoming a key fundraising initiative for the Community Chest.
 

GARDEN CARNIVAL: A theatrical garden party established in De Waal Park, which later evolved into the popular Community Chest Carnival. This event became a much-loved tradition, drawing support from across Cape Town to further the organisation's community development efforts.
 

ACCEPTANCE: The Community Chest is widely regarded as an unqualified success and has become a vital part of Cape Town society. Its continued impact on community development and social welfare has cemented its role as a trusted and essential organisation in the region.
 

BISHOP LAVIS: Bishop Sydney Lavis become Chair and served for 32-years.

GIVE A LITTLE: The Community Chest announces the launch of its Give-As-You-Earn programme, a voluntary payroll deduction initiative designed to empower employees to contribute directly to community development efforts. This programme enables individuals to easily donate a portion of their salary to support vital projects.

BORN FROM CONTROVERSY: The Rotary Club of Cape Town’s idea of an umbrella organisation that will oversee fundraising and the distribution of assistance to Cape Town’s less fortunate citizens faces considerable opposition. A heated debate ensues between Bishop Nash, the Bishop of Cape Town and Mr GP Morris, a member of Cape Town Rotary and the managing director of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Mr Morris had seen the benefits of a Community Chest during a visit to Cincinatti.