This year, why not get into the true spirit of Christmas? Give gifts that matter - and bring hope to a the millions of South Africans struggling for a better life.

It’s a great idea - and it is affordable. The gifts start from as little as R50 and then R100, R250, R500, R1000 (you can also buy several different ones or several of one kind) - and include a range of items that can make a difference to communities, people personally, education, health and environment. Like compost or seedlings for food gardens, educational toys and soccer balls, HIV tests, family food parcels, crutches and tractors.

Once you’re happy with your gift/s, you can send a personal message to the person you’re buying the gift on behalf of - to let them know you’re making Christmas matter for others - in their name.

It’s that simple. And it feels that good.

And you KNOW it’s helping to make a difference.

“Make Christmas Matter” is an online campaign that lets you choose a range of alternative gifts that make a meaningful addition to the lives of many South Africans - from social development to community upliftment and education.

As Communications Manager for GreaterGood SA, Roxy Mitchell, says through this campaign they want to let people know that there is an alternative way of giving - especially at this time of year.

“Everyone has something to give and many people have the desire to give to those in need, but don’t know where or what to give.�

Mitchell says they chose 4 beneficiaries for 2009 from a shortlist of projects that had passed a strict evaluation process including site visits and peer reviews.

These are:
* an educational toy library for the Mbuba community in rural KwaZulu-Natal
* a food garden, recycling program and conservation field trips for Dargle Primary School in the Midlands Meander area
* new kitchen for the St. Josephs nursing home for chronically ill and disabled children in Cape Town
* mobility canes, signature guides and liquid level indicators for 96 visually impaired people in the Free State.

So far, this annual campaign has contributed over R2 million to 22 social development projects in South Africa since its conception in 2005. According to Mitchell more people are starting to think twice about buying into the commercialism around Christmas, and starting to think about those who have less than themselves.

Go on. Make Christmas Matter - and visit Gifts 4 Good

Enjoy the top sundowner spot in Cape Town - at half the price.

The Aerial Cableway at Table Mountain is running its renowned Summer Sunset Special (until Sunday 28 February 2010).

For four months each year, locals and visitors to the Mother City can travel to the highest sundowner spot in Cape Town after 18h00 and pay just half the normal fare. Just R80 each. U18s pay just R40.

Even if you haven’t got much of a head for heights, there’s a thrill in getting to the top of this iconic Cape Town mountain - 1067 metres above sea level. And the cable cars rotate as you go up. If you’re a phobe, grab onto one of the inside poles and ask the operator if you can sit with them - they’re very helpful.

Once at the top, you can explore the top and enjoy all the various views of Cape Town and the peninsula. You’re bound to come across some inquisitive dassies too (Rock Hyrax) - small, brown fluffy things that are apparently kin to the largest land mammal, the elephant. You can also get up close and personal with some of the magnificent fynbos (flora) that the Cape is famous for.

The best is to bring a picnic, some good friends and a bottle of the Cape’s finest. (Sure helps with the descent if you’re nervous about the trip … or the ascent, too …)

If you’re feeling lazy, or just in the mood for a treat, there is a restarant at the summit - the Table Mountain Café. Enjoy absolutely amazing views of the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean over dinner.

Need a momento? There’s also a gift shop to stock up on some South African souveniers … or just browse through

Sunset Special tickets can be bought from the Cableway’s Ticket Office from 18h00. The last car down is at 21h30.

There’s also a New Year’s Eve special - the last car up leaves at 22h00 and the last car down is at 01h00.

Please note: The Cableway operates only if weather permits.

For more info visit The Table Mountain Cableway or call (021) 424 8181.