We are constantly faced with challenges we can’t do anything about, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help somebody with the challenges they’re facing. Small gestures can make big, positive changes and you have the ability to impact somebody’s life and the communities you are a part of. If you’ve been thinking about getting involved in some way, Mandela Day can be a great starting point.
On 18 July we celebrate Mandela Day and the Mandela Foundations describes this notable event in a simple yet impactful way. “Mandela Day calls on us all, every day, to make the world a better place. Each year on 18 July we look back on what has been done, and forward to what will be done.”
The entire month of July is an opportunity to share in the spirit of Mandela Day, and by simply asking, ‘can I help you with that,’ you’re already a part of the change for good.
Here’s how you can help somebody
Take fifteen minutes to walk around your house, the garage, the garden. Poke around the linen closets, underneath the kitchen sink, and inside those cupboards you haven’t opened in months. Look for all the things you haven’t used in a while yet threaten to throw out as soon as you have a minute to spare.
Did you find an extra toaster or pots you don’t need? How about blankets, pillows, and towels? Maybe you were on a fitness kick at the start of the year and bought a bicycle you only rode twice.
Put all these items in a dedicated space and sell them from the comfort of your home. You can list the items on Junk Mail right now and donate the profits to a charity of your choice. A lot of non-profit organisations rely on donation from the public and any contribution you make will add to somebody’s quality of life in a significant way.
Another great way to give back is to poke around your kitchen cupboards and take stock of the things you know you won’t need within the next few weeks. It could be anything from canned goods, pasta, soups, and sauces to cleaning materials, dish clothes, and black bags. Place the items you find in a plastic bag and leave it on top of your dustbin when it’s trash collection day. The informal recyclers with their trolleys will always find a use for these items.
A tip when it comes to throwing out plastic: Keep your bottles and containers in a separate bag, and if possible, remove the lids from the bottles. It’ll spare the informal recycles time when they’re collecting. Remember, small acts can make a difference.
A compliment, a kind word, a selfless act. It’s doesn’t take much to make somebody’s day. It might just encourage them to do the same thing for somebody else.
Visit the Mandela Day website to find out more about the Nelson Mandela Day goals for 2019 to 2029. You will find great resources, news, and more ways you can help. You can also have a look around the Nelson Mandela Foundation website, which is filled with interesting, informative content.
So, what are you waiting for? List your items on Junk Mail and give back to the community.
For Mandela Day you can sponsor kids to have an educational tour at Cheetah Experience in Bloemfontein, and this is all tax deductible as we are a registered PBO 15009843. Education is for our future generation to learn to conserve our planet.