Will your Mandela Day deed make a difference?

Joanne van der Walt, Sage Foundation programme manager for Africa, said people should consider the following when thinking of what to do for Mandela Day:

• Don’t pick just any non-profit organisation (NPO). Find an NPO that could really benefit from what you do: your product or service, or your business counsel.

• Don’t assume. Painting walls and planting veggie gardens are popular Mandela Day activities. However, many charities have more pressing, immediate needs – and the simplicity of some might be surprising

• Don’t overlook planning. You need a solid action plan for the day – especially if you only have 67 minutes to spare. If the homeless shelter really needs a veggie garden – but this is not your core business – consult with experts on the right seeds to plant for the time of year, the right tools to use, and how to maintain the garden

• Don’t neglect your legacy. The efforts you put into Mandela Day should not be a once-off exercise. Ideally, you should partner with the NPO so that you can make a real difference, all year round, year after year – consider doing monthly food donations from your catering business

• Don’t forget… Mandela Day is not about money or budgets or writing cheques. It’s about using our ability and honouring our responsibility to make the world a better place. Not to mention the positive mental health effects that volunteering has on your team members.

Two local charities, the Benoni SPCA and the Manger Care Centre (MCC), have appreciated Mandela Day deeds at their respective premises.

Benoni SPCA manager Vicky Finnemore said people have helped by feeding and walking the society’s animals.

“It definitely has had a lasting impact. People have brought us donations,” she said.

Finnemore said support in any form is welcome.

Andrew Wessels, the communications officer for the MCC, said the centre has had its buildings painted in the past.

“It definitely has a lasting impact; it’s always good to keep the building in good condition as proof that we are using the funds received correctly,” he said.

The charity said donations are always welcome.

Also read: Boy (12) inspired by mother’s illness

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