Blanket Drive

At the University of the Witwatersrand, the Wits Students’ Surgical Society (WSSS) is known for cultivating the next generation of surgeons by offering practical workshops, academic mentorship, and surgical exposure. Yet, the society’s commitment extends beyond the operating theatre. Through its outreach initiatives, the WSSS demonstrates that the practice of medicine is not only about technical skills, but also about compassion, service, and community engagement. One such initiative is the annual Blanket Drive, an effort that highlights the society’s dedication to addressing the immediate needs of vulnerable communities in Johannesburg.

The Need for Warmth

Johannesburg’s winters are notoriously harsh, with freezing temperatures that affect many. For individuals and families without adequate housing or resources, the cold brings not only discomfort, but also serious health risks such as hypothermia, respiratory infections, and worsened chronic illnesses. Recognizing this, the WSSS channels its energy each year into collecting and distributing blankets to those most in need.

Mobilising the Medical Community

The success of the Blanket Drive depends on collective action. Students, staff from the Faculty of Health Sciences and sponsors such as companies are invited to contribute

blankets, monetary donations, or their time. Collection points are set up across campus, and the society leverages its social media presence to amplify the call for donations. What makes this initiative particularly meaningful is how it unites people from different degrees - all working together toward a shared humanitarian goal.

Beyond Donations: Building Awareness

While the immediate aim is to provide physical warmth, the Blanket Drive also sparks conversations about caring for others and access to basic needs. For many student volunteers, the experience of handing over blankets to shelters or community partners is eye-opening. It reminds future doctors that healthcare is shaped not only by what happens in clinics and hospitals, but also by broader social determinants such as poverty, housing, and nutrition. In this way, the drive serves as an informal but powerful lesson in social accountability, a value that the WSSS champions.

Impact on Communities and Students

Each blanket collected represents comfort for someone braving the winter without adequate protection. For shelters, churches, and outreach organisations, the donations ease the pressure of meeting overwhelming community needs. But the impact is not one-sided - students who take part often describe the drive as a grounding experience that reaffirms why they chose to study medicine in the first place. The initiative strengthens empathy, encourages teamwork, and fosters a sense of purpose that goes beyond exam marks and clinical rotations.

Looking Forward

The Blanket Drive has become more than a once-off project; it is now a cornerstone of the WSSS’s outreach portfolio. As participation grows each year, so too does the society’s vision for what it can achieve. By weaving together service, education, and advocacy, the Wits Students’ Surgical Society continues to show that future surgeons are not only defined by their scalpel skills, but also by their ability to bring warmth and hope to the communities they serve.