POLOKWANE – Mandela Day, celebrated on 18 July, will surely look a bit different this year as the Covid-19 pandemic has forced us to stay at home and stop the spread of the virus.
Fortunately, you can still make a difference by staying at home. Review compiled a list of things one can do, which only takes 67 seconds of your time, at home this year.
1. Google the history of Mandela Day
Mandela Day celebrates Madiba’s life and legacy and is celebrated internationally each year. There is, however, more to the day so why not read up about it.
2. Buy tickets in support of South African artists
In the spirit of caring for each other, supporting local artist during the pandemic is as easy as buying a ticket or purchasing a CD or DVD.
3. Look for things around the house which you can donate to those in need.
Take 67 seconds and look around the house for things you can donate to someone in need.
4. Feed a family; fill a bottle with ingredients.
You can fill a 750 ml coffee or mayonnaise bottle in layers with five ingredients, which the Leading Miracle Foundation will use to feed families who cannot afford to buy food during lockdown. View the recipe and contact details here.
5. Switch off all unused electrical appliances.
Loadshedding is something that will be with us for the foreseeable future. You can however lighten their load and reduce the need for loadshedding, by switching off unused electrical appliances.
6. Pack a stationary pack for children in need.
The Mandela Day website suggests putting together stationary packs filled with pens, stickers, coloured paper and scissors. These packs can be donated to teachers at an under-resourced school.
7. Create care kits for patients at the provincial hospital.
The Mandela Day website says another thing one can do, is to create care kits for patients at a provincial hospital. Fill these kits with a comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and face cloth.
8. Support a local business by making a purchase.
Buy local this Mandela Day and support small businesses. Whether you visit a street vendor or purchase something from a shop, your business at their business can make a difference.
9. Donate R5 to the Organ Donor Foundation by sending ‘odf’ to 36106.
The Organ Donor Foundation plans education and publicity programmes designed to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation. They receive no funding from government and rely on donations from corporates and individuals as well as their own fundraising events.
10. Call a local charity and find out how you can help them (as soon as you’re allowed).
- Ondersteuningsraad: 015 295 9053
- Polokwane Child and family Welfare: 015 297 3326
- Ngwana House: 015 296 2771
- CANSA Polokwane: 015 297 1268
- Polokwane Nasorgsentrum: 015 297 1459
- SPCA Polokwane: 015 291 1088
- Ons Tuiste: 015 295 5772
- APD: Johnny at 015 291 1787
- Myngenoegen Shelter: 072 302 1180
- Polokwane Meals on Wheels: 072 211 1147
- Aretha Tehuis: 073 183 9924
11. Make and appointment to donate blood.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) always needs donors. This Mandela Day, call the Polokwane SANBS at 015 283 3600 to make an appointment.
12. Show a loved one that you care, be it a pet or family member.
A little bit of care can go a long way. Why not show some love to your pets or a family member this Mandela Day.
