In response to the Nelson Mandela Foundation's international call for people to contribute 67 minutes of their time on Nelson Mandela's birthday towards a humanitarian cause, Nelson Mandela Square and SAfm are calling for your cans.
A call to all South Africans to donate non-perishable foods to Ithlokomeleng, an old age home situated in the Sandton neighbouring Alexandra Township.
Nelson Mandela Square Manager Sharon Swain says: "Where better to celebrate Madiba's greatness than on Nelson Mandela Square and we are honoured to be able to utilise the Square and harness our shoppers to use this day to show care to those in need. Together with SAfm; we are placing three big sealed containers in the centre (on the library side of the Square, outside Checkers Hyper in Sandton City and outside Woolworths in Sandton City) from Monday July 11 and we encourage shoppers to place non-perishable foods into the containers."
On Friday, July 15, SAfm will broadcast live from Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton City from 14:00 - 16:00 and listeners will be encouraged to phone in to share their intentions for spending 67 minutes of community service in honour of Mandela Day.
"Kindness through giving creates love and hope for a better future, SAfm firmly believes in giving back and what better way to do so by giving back on the birthday of Dr. Rholihlahla Mandela, a man whose life is based on selflessness, says SAfm Station Manager Dennis O'Donnell.
Monday July 11 we encourage shoppers to place non-perishable foods into the containers outside the ibrary side of the Square, outside Checkers Hyper in Sandton City and outside Woolworths"
Nelson Mandela Square's official Mandela Day celebrations will take
place on Monday, 18th July at Ithlokomeleng where the Wits Youth
Orchestra will perform prior to the hand over of the foods collected by
the generous shoppers of Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City. The
food will be presented by SAfm presenters, Nelson Mandela Square
Management and 27 children from the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.
Swain says: "With this initiative we are hoping to establish a
meaningful annual event which celebrates International Mandela Day,
pays tribute to the life and legacy of our global peace Icon, Nelson
Mandela, creates awareness amongst future generations of the role he
played in securing peace for South Africa and make a difference to the
lives of those in need by creating a convenient collection point for
non-perishable foods. We know our Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton
City shoppers are generous and giving and we are looking forward to
providing them with an opportunity to celebrate the day by reaching out
to others."
So open your heart this July by donating non-perishable foods into the
containers provided on both Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City from
July 11 to July 17 and help your neighbours!
