Mandela Month wish list: Here’s who you can help and how
The organisations are in need of volunteers, food items, clothing and more.
MANDELA Day is celebrated on July 18 each year, where people around the world unite in doing good for 67 minutes. The day is spread across July, enabling more people to get involved in good deeds if they’re unable to do so on July 18.
READ MORE: What is Mandela Day?
If you’d like to interact in a random act of kindness this month, here is a list of organisations you can contact:
The Hearts in Hands Food Bank in Hillcrest provides food to people in need through donations of non-perishable, in-date donations from the public. They then distribute them to those in crisis, mostly the elderly and children in neighbouring communities.
Their Mandela Day goal is to receive donations of 67 pints of blood for South African National Blood Service (SANBS) on Monday, 18 July between 08:00 and 03:00, at Khwezi Training, Unit 51, Acacia Business Park, 73 Nguni Way, Waterfall.
If you prefer, you can donate R67. To book a time slot, email Kim Griffith Jones at kim@kimgriffithjones.com or call 084 555 1195.
They are situated at Unit 38, Acacia Business Park, 73 Nguni Way, Hillcrest. Donations can be made to Hearts in Hands, Nedbank, Hillcrest, Account number: 1187935174.
Charity Likon iThemba is seeking assistance with a variety of odd jobs, bigger jobs and donations at the House of Love and Hope baby home (HOLAH), situated in Waterfall.
HOLAH appeals to the public to come as a group of friends, as a team-building exercise for work, with your families, partner or friends or simply join as an individual. There are so many ways to get involved.
The children’s home has multiple buildings on the property, all requiring maintenance and upgrading. The baby house, bottom house, studio area, main play area and general property will all benefit from some volunteer hours.
Call 083 232 5501 for more details. They are situated at 10 Ridgemont Road, Crestholme, Waterfall.
Donations can be made to Likhon iThemba, FNB, Account number: 62396663918.
The Denis Hurley Centre (DHC) is collecting toiletries to assist those in need and is accepting contributions of toothpaste, toothbrushes, facecloths, deodorant, sanitary pads and soap. DHC offers food, showers, medical help and education to the homeless community of Durban’s inner city. For more information, email DHC director Raymond Perrier at raymond@denishurleycentre.org.
There are several projects on the go at Durban Child and Youth Care Centre this Mandela Day. Their wish list includes sanding and repainting window frames – a task that requires gloves, sandpaper and volunteers. They are also in need of 12 white, lace curtains of 2m x 2m. Volunteers are needed to help set up a library in the teenage girls’ unit, and bookshelf donations will be welcomed. Water-based wood treatment, varnish and paintbrush donations are needed to treat jungle gyms at the centre. Another project on the centre’s wish list is to recreate their vegetable garden with a sponsorship of seedlings, compost, rakes, and spades. Volunteers are needed for all projects.
For more information, contact the centre on 031 201 1301.
Ray of Hope babies’ home in Park Hill is in need of nappies (specifically sizes 3 and 4), wet wipes, toiletries, Vaseline, bum cream, Panado and Allergex syrups. They also require donations of box milk, cereals, oats, veggies, rice, mielie meal, snacks, Flings and Tennis biscuits. The home is open 24/7, but we request visitors come between 09:00 and 16:00. For more details, contact Crisis Mom Rachel Uys on 084 924 3100.
SAFE Fostering Network, a new animal rescue organisation based in Durban, is standing up to play its part in taking responsibility to see change for thousands of homeless, abused, and neglected dogs in KZN. The organisation is seeking out mutually beneficial corporate partnership and project-based donations through the community. Their main priority is to start a movement for change in the community. If you would like to donate cash, time and skills, become a foster parent or adopt a dog. Contact Safe Fostering Network on 081 5641 649.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
