The Gift of Joy takes care of the little ones
JOBURG - While Nelson Mandela International Day has passed, South Africans embrace the chance to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s life for the whole of July and The Gift of Joy was not left out.
The non-profit organisation which aims to bring joy to others, made almost 1 500 litres of soup and over 5 000 children were fed in Diepsloot.
July gives everyone the opportunity to heed the call to action and recognise their individual power to make an impact and change the world around them. A global movement for positive change begins with small actions. As each person acts, they fuel momentum toward positive change, raising awareness and expanding the reach of Mandela’s values – fighting injustice, helping people in need and practicing reconciliation.
With that in mind, The Gift of Joy co-founder and director, Nicky Coleman said Mandela was one of the most humble people to have ever lived. She said Mandela loved children and believed in them, as they are the future.
“Mandela showed us how important it is to care and show love to children. It was without question that The Gift of Joy would do something for Mandela month and we wanted to do something different to other organisations. As we knew the need for the children in the Diepsloot community to be fed, we wanted to give them a nutritious meal as it was the most important thing that is needed,” Coleman said.
She said they initially thought they would only be able to impact 1 000 children. However, the team worked hard in the months leading up to July to raise funds.
Chan Naidoo, along with his friends, family and colleagues raised almost R30 000; and a further R25 000 was raised in the two weeks before the events. Naidoo, his friends, family and colleagues bought 1 000 scarves, 1 000 beanies and 1 000 stationery sets to give to the children.
Boxer Store in Diepsloot donated a trolley full of groceries to be given to people in the community.
An event at Reshomile Primary School brought excitement for all the volunteers. Soup was warmed up in the kitchen, balloons were flying high in the air, and rooms were filled with snacks and beverages. Jumping castles filled the sports ground, children entertained with music and tables were filled with sweets while tribute songs to the late icon filled the air. On the first day, more than 3 000 children received a nutritious meal, and in other events more than 5 000 children were fed and 3 000 little ones received presents.
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