Ten ways to make a difference on Mandela Day

Millions of South Africans will join hands on Saturday in making a difference in their communities in the spirit of Mandela Day.

Nelson Mandela International Day was launched on Dr Nelson Mandela’s birthday, July 18, in 2009 by the UN General Assembly in recognition of his efforts towards peace and reconciliation. Every year since, South Africans, and people across the world, have been encouraged to spend some time doing charity work on this day.

This global movement was reportedly inspired by Mandela’s call to young people in 2007. They were told that is their time to take the lead in addressing the world’s social injustices.

Not sure how you can make a difference in your community? White River Post compiled ten ways you can help people or organisations in the area.

• Get a group of friends together and go pick up litter at wetlands or parks in town.

• Visit the elderly at local old age homes like Macadamia Village or Rustig Old Age Home. Organise a bingo tournament, variety concert or tea party to entertain them.

• Compile food or clothing parcels and donate them to local charity organisations, churches and feeding schemes. Examples are the CMR at the NG Church, Child Welfare White River, Michaels Childrens Village and Huis Betlehem.

• Become an organ donor and help save up to seven lives. Sign up at www.odf.org.za.

• Plant an indigenious tree at a school, organisation or even just at home and help reduce your carbon footprint.

• Donate care packs or teddy bears to the Greater Rape Intervention Program (GRIP) to aid survivors of rape and domestic violence. They have offices in Ehmke Street, Nelspruit. Visit www.grip.org.za.

• Donate pet food, services or saleable goods to the Lowveld SPCA to enable them to rescue and take care of animals that have been neglected and abused. You can drop items off at their offices in Tungsten Road in the Industrial Area.

• Go donate blood at the SANBS to help people across the country. The nearest donor centre is in Riverside Mall near Checkers.

• Volunteer to go teach a skill at a local community centre – like beading, gardening, cooking, sewing or even an instrument or basic business skills. The Learning Centre at St George’s or one of Child Welfare White River’s projects are good examples.

• Pledge a monthly donation as part of ongoing campaigns like Hospice’s Candle of Compassion or SPCA’s Pledge a Paw.

Let us know how you’re going to spend Mandela Day by posting on the White River Post facebook page or sending an email to editor@whiteriverpost.co.za.