Mandela Day is celebrated on 18 July every year. The essence of Mandela Day is to take action and give back to those less fortunate than yourself, whether it is for 67 days, 67 minutes or 67 years. It was inspired by a call Nelson Mandela made for future generations; “it is in your hands now”. The call is out for people everywhere to celebrate his birthday by acting on the idea that each person has the power to change the world.
This plea for help and action is more important than ever before as the impact of Covid 19 on our communities in Limpopo has been severe. The knock on effect of unemployment, job losses and poor health due to Covid 19 will have long lasting impacts on communities. In particular, our Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) programme is seeing children receiving less nutrients from school feeding programmes as schools have been closed due to Covid 19.
For Mandela Day this year, we are partnering with the Tzaneen Chamber for a Winter Blanket and Food Drive. We have selected 67 vulnerable households in the area to donate blankets and food to. One of our household we have selected is that of a young girl from our Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC) programme who is infected by HIV/AIDS. Because she lost her mother and granny (and her father is unknown to her), it makes it difficult to apply for a grant. Whilst she used to get some nutritious food at school with the feeding scheme, Covid 19 has interrupted schooling and the young girl does not have access to nutritious food anymore.
This is the time to make community development part of your corporate culture. Our previous blog post outlined the benefits of this. All Mandela Day contributions can be collected or delivered to CHoiCe Trust (12 Park Street Tzaneen). We will be delivering all food and blankets collected before the 18th July. Photographs will be taken and 18A certificates (for tax deduction purposes) will be issued if requested. Your staff are also more than welcome to accompany our volunteers to the households on the 18th July.
contact rona@choicetrust.co.za for more information
