Help serve a hot meal to someone who needs it

Sometimes making a difference is as simple as showing up and picking up a ladle.

Ladles of Love's Dignity Kitchen serves nutritious hot meals to people experiencing homelessness and hardship in central Cape Town, with volunteers helping to make each service happen.

Depending on the day, you might help set up the serving station, ladle soup, slice bread, pour drinks, serve meals, manage queues or clean up afterwards.

You don't need any special skills or previous volunteering experience. Come on your own, bring a friend or get a group together. It's a practical, hands-on way to give some of your time — and meet other Capetonians doing the same.

BEFORE YOU GO:

Volunteer sessions take place at The Hope Exchange, 14A Roeland Street, Cape Town.

You need to book a volunteer slot before arriving. New slots are posted every Monday and popular sessions can fill up quickly.

A typical Dignity Kitchen session lasts around 60–90 minutes. You can bring an apron if you have one, although plastic aprons are available.

If you book, make sure you can attend — Ladles of Love relies on its registered volunteers to serve the meals and asks that you cancel in advance if your plans change.