10 Things To Do On Mandela Day

Mandela day is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on the date of his birthday, July 18.  Since we are all aware of this, it is around the corner and no one has an excuse of not giving back. Can you spare 67 minutes of your time helping others? Every year, on Mandela Day, people around the world are asked by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to do just that. The day is specially dedicated to doing good.

So, we’ve put together a list of things you can do as part of your 67 minute on Mandela Day.

1. Volunteer at an orphanage or old age home

The staff at the orphanage often have a lot on their hands and your contribution could go a long way. Play with the children and help out with the chores such as cooking and cleaning. At an old age home you can read to the elderly or just offer conversation, they love company because it gives them a sense of belonging in society.

2. Clean streets

Every city needs to be kept clean. With it being occupied by thousands of people every day, it’s bound to get quite messy. Gather a team of people and set out on the streets picking up papers and clearing rubble.

3. Paint a public school

Some schools have been around for many years and their condition may have deteriorated over time. Help out by giving them a mini face lift by painting and cutting the grass.

4. Feed the homeless

Many people go to sleep without food and though it would be nice to feed them all, do your part by feed them on Mandela day. It might not change their lives but it will have an impact in their life on the day.

5. Give away clothes and blankets to the needy

With winter having set in, no one should die under a bridge because of the cold. On Mandela day, donate warm clothes and blankets to the poor.

6. Donate books to your nearest local library

A library can never have too many books. So, ccelebrate the day by building your community with education.

7. Help an elderly person in your community

Some houses ran by elderly people in the community. On the day, do good by visiting them and doing what she would do on the day such as cooking for her, cleaning while they rest. They enjoy being taken care of.

8. Mentor young people

Contribute to skills development. Many young people would like to peruse a career that you are already in. You could mentor them through helping with their subject choices and letting them shadow you at work on the day.

9. Run a marathon

Many organisations are hosting marathons in the name of Mandela day. The proceeds that they make from there go towards charity.

10. Help out at a community centre

There’s a lot that goes on at a community centre. Take part in the activities and help the facilitators of the programmes. Or you could clean the centre and give it a paint job.