Cape Town - More than 1 400 adults and children gathered on Mandela Day on Thursday July 18 at the Market Hall in GrandWest to devote 67 minutes of their time to a noble cause – packing meals for those in need.
This community-driven initiative serves as a fitting tribute to late president and icon Nelson Mandela, whose legacy of service continues to inspire citizens across the nation.
The event saw volunteers from various sectors, including staff from the non-profit organisation Rise Against Hunger (RAH), corporate partners and schools, join hands.
Over five hours, 468 volunteers worked in shifts to pack an impressive 250 000 meals. The initiative aims to nourish over 1 086 children through school feeding programmes throughout the year.
In addition to meal packing at GrandWest, other organisations, like the Coalition of African Animal Welfare Organizations (CAAWO), engaged with local communities by hosting animal storytime events in Khayelitsha.
The sessions aimed to inspire empathy towards animals while promoting literacy and community-building.
Ladles of Love in collaboration GoodHope FM hosted 5 500 small children in desperate need at the Lookout in V&A Waterfront, breaking the world record for most volunteers involved.
Leebashni Reddy, CSI Manager at Estee Lauder South Africa, expressed her enthusiasm: “Our employees participated in the planned event at V&A Waterfront.
“We are proud to support the vital work of Ladles of Love.”
Malnutrition in South Africa described as “slow violence”, affects children's cognitive development and overall well-being.
“We realise how profound President Nelson Mandela's words were: 'It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it, especially the poor, vulnerable, and marginalised',” said Ladles of Love's founder and CEO Danny Diliberto.
“Never has Madiba's message rung truer than now. International Nelson Mandela Day on Thursday, July 18, is a reminder to us all to act. Being a bystander is no longer an option,” said Diliberto.
Astron Energy, in a remarkable show of corporate social responsibility, donated R2 million to the Khayelitsha Special School in Cape Town, facilitating the purchase of two much-needed buses for students with disabilities.
The Khayelitsha Special School fosters over 450 learners facing various physical and learning challenges.
The 23-seater buses are customised to meet the specific requirements of these students, enhancing their ability to access educational opportunities.
Suzanne Pullinger, spokesperson for Astron Energy, said that these donations underscore the company's commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities.
“At Astron Energy, we seek to make a difference every day as part of our purpose of securing our future together,” she said.
