At the risk of letting this day run out and feeling like we had not contributed 67 minutes for this cause, we decided to do so although we are office bound. We could not let Mandela Day go by without devoting 67 minutes of our time – one minute for every year of Mr. Mandela’s public service. Our gesture is a small one of solidarity with humanity and a step towards a global movement for good.So this is it 67 minutes from the office- our time2serve.
Our offering is simply to salute some of those philanthropic and selfless individuals and groups out there who are helping to change the world for the better.
Although this day is celebrated each year on the late leader’s birthday, International Nelson Mandela Day has always aimed to inspire a flow of good deeds throughout the world. Inspired by Mandela’s speech on 27 June 2008 (his 90th birthday celebration) in London’s Hyde Park, the day aims to encourage individuals, communities, governments and non-profit organisations to take things into their own hands.
Since the iconic statesman’s passing this is the first Mandela Day. It is so important to continue to advocate the values for which he fought and to spread his message for the peace of humankind.
Cape Town magazine sums up sums up 14 of the Best Nelson Mandela moments
Some amazing individuals and organisations are doing just that, so we would like to take this 67 minutes to promote them and hopefully get awareness out for them on their projects.
Vincent Park 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day
“It always seems impossible until it’s done” #MandelaDay 2014 – Jordy smith
The Madiba Mobile – #67minutes #mandeladay — with Warren Handley, Jaimee Whitney Vey, Brad Bolus,Rael Chapman, Reece Hutch Bolus, Matthew Choc Malan, Matteo Viotti, Alexander James William Buchanan, Tom David, Kasia Ogonowski and Megan Quenet-Meintjes.
Breadline Africa
Breadline Africa is an internationally registered South African-based charity that aims to break the cycle of poverty – by helping communities to help themselves. Breadline Africa believes that children and young people hold the future in their hands.
They have a highly successful Container Programme, converting old shipping containers into vital community structures. The portable, versatile and secure recycled containers are a lifeline to many struggling communities, where they provide instant and vital infrastructure. Since 1993, they have recycled, refurbished and placed more than 175 of these containers in poor communities throughout Southern Africa.
See this animation on their website explaining their programmes
Containers are used as:
Cans4Reading: libraries and media centres in schools
Cans4Feeding: community kitchens, serving food to the very poor;
Cans4Learning: day-care centres for children;
Cans4Hygiene: health clinics and ablution blocks
Cans4Skills: classrooms for teaching vocational skills
Cans4Clubs: sports club changing rooms
If you cannot help in any other way maybe you might want to make a donation.
Operation Smile South Africa
Operation Smile South Africa provides free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities for children around the globe.
Founded in 2006, Operation Smile South Africa (OSSA) joined Operation Smile, Inc. as its 25th partner country. Based in Cape Town, OSSA medical volunteers provide free surgeries to children and adults throughout Southern and Central Africa, as well as educational and training opportunities that promote sustainability and self-sufficiency throughout the region.
There are many ways that you could help – just browse the website – or you may just want to donate
DARG
DARG is a pro-life, non-profit organisation that rescues, cares for and re-homes abused, neglected and abandoned cats and dogs. Their vision is to be a leading example of animal sheltering in South Africa.
What is absolutely amazing is that DARG is open 7 days a week, 365 days of the year from 9am -4 pm
Cutie is a +- 4yr old female mix breed (long legged and JR type) . She’s called Cutie for a reason! Friendly, sweet and alert. She has a sweet nature and would suit an active family. She gets on so well with her kennel mate Beeno.
If you cannot volunteer you can help by donating
Habitat for Humanity South Africa
Habitat for Humanity South Africa seeks to eradicate poverty housing in South Africa by building simple decent homes for families living in poverty dwellings. Habitat for Humanity South Africa operates in the greater areas of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Their campaign this year for Mandela Day was to build 67 houses in one week. This target set by Habitat for Humanity SA in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation for their International Nelson Mandela Build Week” – took place from the 14 – 18 July, in Pelican Park, (the largest integrated development project in the Western Cape).
They most definitely can use a hand or if you don’t have any free you can always donate.
Clean C Community (coastline -cape town – country)
This is a group of enthusiastic people passionate about South Africa and the people in South Africa. They know there is a massive need for opportunities for people to develop and grow.They run initiatives which incvolve individuals and the community at large like “Cape Town Beach Cleanup”
You can get your company involved using their initiatives for team building. If your school or environmental group is running a community project you need to hook up with Clean C.
Again if you would like to contribute financially your contribution will be very welcome.
We have used our abilities and a good 67 + minutes to pay homage to all these great individuals and groups doing the right thing to make the world a better place and in our own way hopefully doen so too.
Imagineers out – 67 minutes from the office #time2serve #mandeladay
email:lisa@creativeimagineering.co.za
Lisa Leathes
leathes.lisa@gmail.com
lisa@creativeimagineering.com