Celebrating Mandela Day with Creativity: A portrait of Nelson Mandela in 67 Minutes
Mandela Day, celebrated on July 18th, is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world and the ability to make an impact. This year, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer my brush to create a portrait of Nelson Mandela in 67 minutes that will be displayed on tented cards in Newmark Hotels & Reserves in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. The portrait will include a QR code allowing guests to donate to the Gift of the Givers on Mandela Day 2024.
Nelson Mandela’s life was a testament to the power of resilience, forgiveness, and the pursuit of justice. Mandela Day reminds us of these values and encourages us to reflect on how we can contribute to serving our communities. Whether it is feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, or giving of our time, every small action can make a difference.
Here are some ideas of ways you can celebrate Mandela day
🥘 If your heart is to feed
One of the most immediate ways to impact your community is by tackling hunger. Mandela himself understood the importance of food security and the dignity it brings. Here are some ways you can contribute:
JOIN OR OrganiSe a Community Kitchen
Set up a community kitchen for the day and serve meals to those in need. This can be done in collaboration with local organizations or schools. You’ll be amazed at the sense of community and fulfilment that comes from sharing a meal with those who might not otherwise have one.
JOIN OR Host a Food Drive
Partner with local supermarkets, schools or churches to host a food drive. Collect non-perishable items and distribute them to food banks or distribution centres. This ensures that families have access to food long after Mandela Day is over.
Pack Lunches for Children
Many children rely on school lunches as their main meal of the day. On weekends and holidays, this need continues. Volunteer to pack lunches for children and distribute them at community centres, daycares or schools.
Support Ladles of Love
Consider supporting Ladles of Love, an organization committed to feeding those in need. Their goal for Mandela Day 2024 is to set a new world record by making 100,000 sandwiches in an hour. Learn more and get involved here.
👕 If Your Heart Is to Clothe
Clothing is a basic human need that provides warmth and dignity. Here’s how you can help clothe those in need:
OrganiSe or Join a Clothing Drive
Gather gently used clothing from your community and distribute them to shelters, churches or directly to people living on the streets.
Knit or Sew for a Cause
If you have knitting or sewing skills, use them to create warm clothing items like hats, scarves, and blankets. These can be distributed to homeless shelters and hospitals.
Donate Professional Attire
Many people struggle to find employment due to a lack of appropriate clothing for interviews. Consider donating professional attire to organizations that help people prepare for job interviews.
⏰ If Your Heart Is to Give Time
Sometimes, the most valuable thing we can give is our time. Here are ways you can volunteer:
Volunteer at a Local School
Spend time reading to children, helping with homework, or assisting teachers in the classroom. Your presence can make a significant difference in a child's educational experience.
Visit an Elderly Home
Many elderly people in care homes do not receive regular visitors. Spending time with them, listening to their stories, and engaging in activities can brighten their day and provide them with much-needed companionship.
Clean Up Your Community
Organise or join a local clean-up event. Gather volunteers to pick up litter, plant trees, or beautify public spaces. This not only improves the environment but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership in the community.
🤰🏽🩸If Your Heart Is for Women and Mothers
Supporting women and mothers can have a profound impact on the entire community. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Support Embrace, The Movement for Mothers
Embrace is a social movement that values and celebrates motherhood and mothers, recognizing their critical role in society. They inspire, mobilize, and connect mothers and supporters to effect change. Learn more about how you can get involved here.
Join The Red Movement
The Red Movement, part of Move Africa, focuses on ending period poverty and empowering women and girls through access to menstrual products. This initiative helps ensure that no woman or girl has to miss out on education or work because of a lack of menstrual supplies. Discover more about their work here.
Support Rape Crisis
Rape Crisis provides support and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence, working towards creating a society free from rape and gender-based violence. Learn how you can support their vital work here.
👧🏽👶🏾👦🏻If Your Heart Is for Children
Investing in children’s futures is crucial for building a better society. Here’s how you can help:
Support the Maletsatsi Foundation
The Maletsatsi Foundation provides care and support for children in need, helping them to thrive and reach their full potential. Find out how you can contribute to their mission here.
Partner with The Seed Fund
The Seed Fund focuses on empowering children through education and community development. Their initiatives aim to create sustainable change and provide children with the tools they need for a brighter future. Learn more about their work here.
Reflecting on Past Mandela Days
In 2018, I had the privilege of painting a preschool mural and filling a vibracrete wall with flowers. On that day, I posted, “I was simply going to caption this ‘dirty hands, happy heart,’ but I find days like Mandela Day have become that - an action photo and a quirky one-liner with not much beyond that point. While dirty hands are so synonymous with hard work - I find clean hands have the paradox of either having done nothing or going to do something. The goal isn’t to get your hands dirty one day of the year, find the right caption, wash them clean, and forget there’s work to still be done. The goal is ‘I dirtied my hands today - how can I dirty them tomorrow and the next day,’ until more often than not, you’re not washing your hands to pass over what you’ve done but to prepare them for what you will do next.”
Mandela Day is not just about what we do on July 18th; it’s about fostering a spirit of giving and community that lasts throughout the year. Look to your hands and hearts to see what you can do today and each day after to keep the spirit and work of Nelson Mandela alive in our homes, communities, and country.
So let us put our hands and hearts to work
I invite you to join me in making a difference this Mandela Day. Whether it’s through feeding, clothing, or giving your time, every action counts. Visit the Gift of the Givers here to see how you can contribute and make a donation. If you’re near Johannesburg or Cape Town, stop by Newmark Hotels & Reserves to see the portrait of Nelson Mandela and learn more about how you can get involved. Let’s make every day a Mandela Day!
A timelapse video of the painting will be available to view on Mandela Day
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