‘There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.’ – Nelson Mandela
The 18th of July is officially Nelson Mandela Day. The birthday of the legend himself has been officially recognised internationally as a day for giving back in honour of what Tata Madiba sacrificed for us as a nation.
It may seem like a long way off but let’s be honest, this year has flown, we’re already almost half way through June! As the Green Point City Improvement District, we have decided to get the ball rolling and inspire our local residents to plan in advance. Take a look at some of the amazing initiatives that have happened in our area in the past.
Food first
Everybody knows that a nutritious meal can make a world of difference in difficult circumstances. The Yumcious kitchen located at the Cape Quarter certainly does. That’s why they put together delicious meals for the homeless. Last year, the public came together to make 1 000 litres of soup or bake muffins to be sold on the day to raise money for The Haven night shelter.
Armed with knives, chopping boards, potato peelers and ingredients, all vounteers met at the Cape Quarter – headquarters of Yumcious.
Last year the event ran from 10am to 2pm. Granted this slightly exceeds the allocated 67 minutes of giving back but every year the result is a delicious and nutritious meal for the many struggling citizens in our city.
Lend an ear
Atlantic Hope, a safe house for vulnerable babies, annually requests trauma counsellors, psychologists, nurses, night carers or secretarial workers to step in and assist them on Mandela Day.
olunteers that work with this organisation take in vulnerable babies. The support is always greatly welcomed in this highly emotional environment. If you have a free moment this Mandela Day and this cause is close to your heart, consider sending them an email. If you aren’t able to offer physical expertise, nappy donations are always welcome!
Get in contact with them by visiting their website: http://atlantichope.co.za/contact/
Mzananda animal clinic kennel building
Granted this is not located anywhere near Green Point, we selected this initiative as an option for the animal lovers amongst us. The Mzananda animal clinic has spent the last few Mandela Days building kennels for the pups in the townships.
If you don’t mind a bit of sweat and elbow grease in the name of a good cause, then get involved. Bring a hammer per person, measuring tape, pencil and paint brushes. The wood, kennel building designs and other essential materials will be supplied.
For more information on helping man’s best friend visit their website: https://www.mdzananda.co.za/contact-us
100 Opportunities for Mandela Day
To sum our Mandela Day suggestions, if none of our aforementioned suggestions catch your eye, there is an online platform that is dedicated to making the search a little easier. Take a look and get involved: www.forgood.co.za
Remember that what you do for Mandela Day is not as important as the heart behind it, whatever you choose to get involved in on the 18th of July, make sure it is aligned with Madiba’s rules:
- Free yourself.
- Free others.
- Serve.
- Get everyone involved… (okay we added this one, but still great advice.)
Have fun!
