My favourite Mandela Day initiatives and how to get involved.

Deep down inside all of us, we want to make a difference but it can be overwhelming.

Mandela Day is celebrating every year on Nelson Mandela Birthday 18 July and this year we celebrate 10 years of uniting South Africans in 67 minutes of giving back to our communities.

Many NPOs don’t like Mandela Day but this is changing. When Mandela Day started the media were all over, giving companies massive exposure. Sadly for the NPO these were often a once off that would disrupt the organisation and often leaving the organisations with a half finished job. It became about the pictures and media.

The good news is that this has changed as companies become more conscious and committed to supporting and uplifting their communities.

Some of the incredible benefits to volunteering.
– Increases staff retention
– Closes the diversity gap
– Increases empathy
– Builds community, self-esteem, purpose and pride.
– Teaches us new skills
– Grows our networks
– Prevents depression
– Increases happiness

Some of my personal favourite Mandela Day initiatives this year:

Vida E initiative in partnership with Qhubeka. Join in on a 67min cycle or a 6.7km run / walk and donate R67 to the Qhubeka Givengain campaign and receive a free coffee.

Shoprite’s Actforchange have committed to making every day a Mandela Day and have partnered with Brownie Points to empower their staff to host and take part in causes close to their hearts and communities. With over 200 opportunities across the country for anyone to join. Click here:

If you still looking for something meaning full to do this Mandela Day, Checkout Brownie Points with a list of Mandela Day initiatives ranging from cleanups and clothing donations to soup kitchens.
There is also a list of daily good deeds you can take part in and share with loved ones called Game for Humanity.

Lets light that Madiba fire and unite in building a better future.

We are the scatterlings of Africa on a journey to the stars. – Johnny Clegg.