The Yellow Ribbon Foundation (YRF) taking action against poverty

On Saturday, July 20, The Yellow Ribbon Foundation (YRF) in association with 7de Laan celebrated Mandela Day by taking action against poverty in Eldorado Park.

Dereleen James, who is an anti-drug activist, community leader and founder of YRF said that just like slavery, apartheid and all the struggles South Africa has had, it is up to us, as South Africans to put an end to poverty.

“That is what our Mandela Day was about. We have collected clothing from the community, from corporate and all over. We collected pre-loved and brand new clothing, shoes and groceries, and we set up a big pop up store for the residents of Eldorado Park,” said James.

“Our goal was to serve the people from our community and do something different. We wanted to serve them with dignity, so we decided to set things up like a proper mall. There are so many impoverished families in our community and many have not had the opportunity to set foot outside the borders of Eldorado Park. For us, Mandela Day was all about making our residents feel special and needed,” she added.

James said that the volunteers were honoured to serve residents in such a dignified manner.

“Today was nothing short of amazing and inspiring. To everyone who helped cook up so many happy faces, we say a big THANK YOU.

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“500 beneficiaries got to shop for clothing, groceries, toiletries, homeware and were treated to a sit-down meal. There is no ‘I’ in successful initiatives, it’s all about US and WE. Thank you to my colleagues from the LDAC Task Team, Come Back Mission, Eldorado Park Neighbourhood Watch, Eldorado Park CPF, Eldorado Park SAPS and Emergency Management Services for going beyond the call of duty,” said James.

“Madiba said that ‘it always seems impossible until it’s done’, so I want to encourage residents by telling them that whatever it is you want to do in life, just do it. It is possible,” concluded.