Each year on July 18th the world celebrates the life and legacy of South Africa’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. In his honour, the United Nations General Assembly declared his birthday (18 July), Nelson Mandela International Day (aka Mandela Day). In order to celebrate this day, people around the world dedicate 67 minutes of their time to participate in charitable or humanitarian acts. One minute is dedicated to every year that Mandela spent fighting for social justice. Tackling social ills and bringing hope in dark places, is the year round Mission and Vision of Living Hope, but we also love to be a part of special days like this!
Each year at Living Hope on Mandela Day we see such incredible acts of generosity inspired by the selfless example of Nelson Mandela, and this year was no different! This year was the 10th Anniversary of Mandela Day and so we multiplied 67 x 10 and asked for 670 Jars of Hope (dried stew mixes), 670 beanies, children’s masks, maize meal and more. It was wonderful to see the target exceeded – what generosity in a time of economic difficulty! We hope these pictures and a video give you a sense of the community spirit that was felt, as individuals, churches, businesses and other NGOs came together to “Bring Hope and Break Despair” in partnership with Living Hope.
If you did not get an opportunity to take part on the day, we encourage to think about how you could use 67 minutes of your time or donate funds to help us achieve the Mission and Vision of Living Hope until the next Mandela Day.