This July, the world takes time to reflect on a world legend and our former president, Nelson Mandela. We would like to take the time to thank him for his incredible leadership and commitment towards the people of South Africa and the rest of humanity. Along with our mission, Nelson Mandela wanted to change the lives of many people for the better. On Mandela Day, we dedicate ourselves to give 67 minutes towards a cause hoping to make the world a better place. If you’re not sure how you can help, here’s 5 ways you can give 67 minutes for Mandela Day:
“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return,” – Nelson Mandela.
If the recent pandemic has shown us anything, it’s the importance of reaching out to help one another, and that even small actions of kindness can have profound effects.
Make dreams come true
THE CAUSE: SweepSouth’s Make a Day, Change A Life campaign
WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Domestic workers are often single parents battling to make ends meet. Many can’t afford to do small, but necessary things for their children, like buy them stationery for school, growing their small business to empower themselves or improve their living conditions. SweepSouth has an ongoing initiative to raise funds for a different domestic worker’s special cause each month.
WHO BENEFITS? This month’s beneficiary is Outdoor SweepStar Senzo from Durban. Funds raised will help Senzo make a meaningful impact and change in his community while empowering the next generation. You can also donate towards Thokozani’s cause and help her rebuild her life and improve her living conditions. Read more about why she needs your help to give her 11-year-old daughter a better life here. Previously, the public’s generosity helped buy an electric wheelchair for a partially paralysed teen, Aphalele Rangula, 14, whose mother, Lindelwa, is a domestic worker from Gugulethu. See Make A Day, Change A Life for monthly updates.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Make a donation, however big or small, to SweepSouth’s Make a Day, Change A Life campaign. See SweepSouth Foundation here for more information, or click here to donate.
For your 67 minutes you can also pack a care package for your SweepStar and assist them with the essentials such as food, clothing, soap, bedding etc. When they arrive for their booking you can surprise them with a gift that will really go a long way. Plus, you will be making a difference without leaving the house.
Buy a bracelet and support a worthy cause
THE CAUSE: Relate bracelets
WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Relate is a 100% not-for-profit social enterprise that donates the majority of bracelet sales revenue to credible causes and social upliftment initiatives.
WHO BENEFITS: Relate’s bracelet makers range from the elderly to refugees and township youth, all of whom earn an income by beading the bracelets. Each bracelet is also aligned with a specific cause – some are specifically related to humans, such as literacy, malaria and clean drinking water, while others support animals such as elephants, penguins and pangolins, to name but a few. The Relate website features so many worthwhile causes; you’ll want to support them all!
HOW: Buy a beautiful handmade Relate bracelet as a gift at Relate’s online shop.
Help a person in need
THE CAUSE: MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet
WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Sign up for a MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card – it doesn’t cost a cent. Swipe the card when you shop at Woolworths, Builders, Engen, Loot.co.za, Bidvest Waltons and more, and a portion of your spend will go to a beneficiary of your choice (you can choose up to three).
WHO BENEFITS: The programme has an impressive list of beneficiaries, from those that support schools to organisations that care for people, animals and the environment.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Sign up on their website and select your beneficiaries. Then swipe your MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card when you shop, and you’ll be making a difference without having to spend an extra cent.
Help a brand new mom
THE CAUSE: The Grace Factory
WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Believing that no mother should deliver a baby without having the basic baby essentials for herself and her baby during the first few weeks of her newborn’s life, this NPO aims to give dignity to needy new moms during this vulnerable time in their lives.
WHO BENEFITS: The Grace Factory has helped over 16 000 anxious new mothers and babies, and assisted over 110 children’s homes by providing them with essentials such as clothing, toiletries and nappies. Their maternity packs are distributed through government hospitals, clinics, social workers and other community partners.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Donate new or gently used baby clothes, vests, socks, and blankets, or use your crafting skills to knit, crochet or sew baby beanies, jerseys, booties or blankets. Blankets may also be cut from fleece blankets. Drop items off at these collection points in SA.
Help a pet in need
THE CAUSE: petheaven
WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Discover the hub of many great organisations doing amazing work for animals in our communities.
WHO BENEFITS: From donating to the Sidewalk Special to giving R50 to Woodrock Animal Rescue, you can help an animal organisation that really needs your help to rescue animals in need.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: You can visit www.petheaven.co.za and click on their donate tab here and select a cause close to your heart.
