Mandela Day

Take Action. Inspire Change. Make every day a Mandela Day.

Thanks to Capetowners  I was reminded about one of my favourite days of the year: Nelson Mandela International Day 2011.

I can see some of your faces now as I write this blog, a sea of confusion (what is Mandela Day?), opinionating (this is just another Marketing scam of some sort!), anger (why do I have to be forced to do something good for others that do nothing for me?!), the blind-eyes (I want to help – I really do, but…!) and at the same time I feel a sense of relief from others and see eyes light up as they get to be a part of an outreach where, for one day of the year, it’s more than just a sprinkle of people trying to change their town, city, country or the world – it’s a community working together.

For those of you still sitting in the dark, let’s shine some light your way.

What is Mandela Day?

Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes. 

Mandela Day is a day to honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela and his values through volunteering and community service.

[Held 18 July every year]

Activities that happened in 2009:

46664 and the Nelson Mandela Foundation invited the world to join them on an official Mandela Day.

- A series of educational, art exhibits, fund raising & volunteer events leading up to the 46664 concert were organized.

Activities that happened in 2010:

•           Mandela as a Leader : many people stamped their hand prints on a piece of paper raising awareness of “it’s in our hands to make a change”
•           Faculty of Humanities: presented books, nappies, clothes & toys to The Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Rondebosch & Nomzamo Children’s Sanctuary in Langa.
•         Dave Professional Placement Group: Went to a High School in Diepsloot and helped out with painting, gardening or cleaning.

And the list just goes on and on and on! It’s amazing. I remember so many stories coming through on the radio of what people within the community were doing and it just about brought tears to my eyes to know that this was possible.

We are now in the third year, 2011, and we have been given this opportunity to help out where we can and to make a different. If your heart is set on a certain charity, shelter, home e.t.c then why not stand out from the crowd and do what everyone is scared to do: Show Compassion.

With 10 days left before the 18 July 2011, I encourage you to make just one small movement, because I can guarantee you that it will change someone’s day, week or even their life. You can stand the chance to shake someone’s hope and faith into something sturdier.

On the 18 July 2011, I will be going to Gabriella Centre for Physically & Intellectually Challenged Children and contributing what I can. 

I chose this center as a remembrance towards my sister, Kylee Sleigh, who was cerebral palsy.
If you want to help towards this, please see the list below of items you can donate:

•          Sponsor a child’s monthly school fees – full or partial
•           Supply disposable nappies & wet wipes
•           Purchase groceries (list can be provided on request)
•           New educational toys & books
•           Music & story DVD’s
•           Stationary & art material
•           New towel, sheets, mattress protectors, cushions, blankets, etc
•           Donation towards running costs
•           Donation to purchase specialized equipment such as standing frames, physiotherapy balls, etc
•           Funds to manufacture wheelchairs specially designed for individual needs
•           Purchase of a much needed air conditioner (summer gets hotter every year)
•           Sponsor a bus/ combi: needs to be in excellent condition as the center does not have the funds to repair the vehicle. Sponsoring company/ persons details will be advertised on the vehicle.

Urgently needed:

Sponsoring A Child

The day care fees are R1300 per month per student.

At present there are three children who desperately need help – you can choose who you would like to sponsor from the list below:

1.  Le Juan Le Roux – he only has his dad as the mom walked out on them, his father is struggling to make ends meet.
2.   Dominic Visser – her mom has sever diabetes and cannot work, the mom is busy getting a divorce and the father doesn’t want to help the child out financially.
3.  Ruwellyn Keyser – (currently in the hospital) had a full 12 year sponsorship but has recently lost it. The family require a full sponsorship otherwise Ruwellyn will not be able to remain in the center.

If you want to sponsor a child, please contact me and I will put you in contact with Natalie (the owner of the centre) as you will need to pay directly to the centre.

Nappies

If you want to sponsor some nappies, the centre purchases Pampers No. 4, 5 & 6. Otherwise, you can give me your donation in cash and I will go to the local nappy shop in Somerset West where I will pick up a voucher (this should be easier for the centre as they can buy exactly what they need).

Groceries

Include items such as: cleaning products, wet wipes, toilet paper, cold drinks, porridge, chutney, mayonnaise, fruit etc. The centre supplies the children with breakfast, some parents send lunch for their children but there are some kids who are not this lucky.

They also need help with: pots, pans – anything for the kitchen.

Again, you can send your donations in cash to me as I will be going to Pick n Pay to get a voucher for the center. 

   

67 ways to change our world 

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