Mandela Day is about changing the world for the better, no matter how small the action. You can easily become part of this global ripple of good deeds circling the globe on that day.
International Mandela Day
International Mandela Day (18 July) is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power and ability to help make the world a better place. People around the world are encouraged to spend at least 67 minutes of their time doing something positive for others, in honour of the 67 years that the late South African president Nelson Mandela spent fighting for social justice and a free democratic country.
Here are some ideas of how you can get involved:
Donate your time and talent
The easiest way in which to become involved is to donate your time and talents. You can either volunteer to help with the day-to-day tasks undertaken by local charities or offer a specialised, personal service to those closest to you and in your own community.
Contact the official UN website: www.un.org/mandeladay or www.mandeladay.com for ideas on how to become involved or go to the local Play Your Part, www.playyourpart.co.za, social network that links individuals eager to make a difference with community organisations.
Find out what has already been planned
Big municipalities and cities usually have extended programmes in place to celebrate the day. Find out where you can volunteer or slot in.
Make it personal
People sometimes forget that charity starts at home. Look around and use your 67 or more minutes to spread some hope, cheer and encouragement, close by!
Here are a few suggestions:
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- Make a new friend and get to know someone from a different cultural background. “Only through mutual understanding can we rid our communities of intolerance and xenophobia”, says the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
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- Offer practical help where needed. Many elderly, single mothers and people with physical disabilities need help. Take them shopping and help fix the broken things in their homes.
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- Help out at the local animal shelter. Offer to walk the dogs and give them some much needed tender loving care.
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- Help someone get a job. Put together and print a CV for them and help them prepare for the interview.
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- Being lonely is the scourge of our time. Look around and you will find many who have been marginalised due to illness, age and other factors. Take a little time to have a chat and bring some sunshine into their lives.
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- Take someone you know, who can’t afford it, to get their eyes tested or their teeth checked.
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- Donate a wheelchair or guide dog to someone in need.
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- Buy a few blankets and give them to people in need.
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- Buy 67 loaves of bread and hand them out to needy individuals.
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- Help out at a rural school, establish a vegetable garden, read to the children, paint and renovate the school buildings and help initiate recycling initiatives.
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- Donate books, toys and clothing to needy schools and orphanages. Consider taking the children on a special Nelson Mandela Day outing.
Sources
Get involved this Mandela Day. Retrieved from: http://www.capetownmagazine.com/mandela-day
Meaning of 67 minutes. Retrieved from: http://www.kzneducation.gov.za/DocumentsPublications/PhotoGallery/2013/Meaningof67Minutes.aspx
Take action! Inspire change. Retrieved from: http://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/takeaction.shtml