On Mandela Day (18 July), people around the world are encouraged to spend at least 67 minutes doing something positive for their communities. It is to honour the 67 years late South African president, Nelson Mandela, spent fighting for social justice, equality and democracy.

The international day of philanthropy was inspired by Mandela’s speech on 27 June 2008 (his 90th birthday celebration) in Hyde Park, London. In his address, Madiba called on the leaders of all nations to help change the world for the better. “It’s in your hands now,” he urged.

Celebrated each year on the iconic statesman’s birthday, Nelson Mandela International Day aims to inspire a ripple of good deeds by encouraging individuals, communities, governments and non-profit organisations to take small steps towards the larger leap of positive transformation.

This is the third Mandela Day since the freedom fighter passed, and since he’s no longer around to anchor the occasion; it’s more important than ever to uphold the values for which he struggled, and to share his message of peace and humanity with future generations. Take a look at how you can get involved with Mandela Day this year with our handy guide. Here are a number of ways to make a difference for 67 minutes (and beyond).

IDEAS FOR MANDELA DAY 2017

Help the Animal Rescue Organisation
Help the animals supported by this organisation but sponsoring a spay (valued at R300) or by making any donation amount you are able to do. Other donations such as pet care items, pet food, blankets, stock for the Animal Rescue Organisation, and household goods will also be appreciated. Another lovely idea to help out is by sponsoring a pet – this is a fabulous initiative which will cost you a once-off fee of R67 and will really make a difference in the pets life. You can drop off your donations on Tuesday 18 July 2017 on the Main Road, in Bergvliet or on the Belmond Road which is just off the main road in Kalk Bay. The Animal Rescue Organisation aims to offer support and care to pets in Cape Town’s more impoverished areas by providing veterinary treatment at mobile clinics and by finding homes for abandoned cats, dogs, rabbits and other creatures. Email karen@animalrescue.org.za for more details.

Help Create and Fill Care Packages with the Rape Crisis Trust

This Mandela Day, you can join the Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust, a  South African organisation that supports the recovery of rape survivors and seeks to bring about change in communities, to help create care packages for survivors. Those eager to participate are encouraged to bring along items like underwear (any size for both children and adults; male and female), toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, soap, body wash, face cloths, sanitary pads (not tampons) and nappies to fill the special care packs (please only donate new items). Volunteers will decorate and fill the care packages at the Observatory Community Centre on Saturday, 16 July, and anyone is welcome to pop in anytime between 11am and 3pm to assist. Those not able to attend on Mandela Day are more than welcome to still donate items (or cash) before the time – contact Shahida Rahman on +27(0)21 447 1467 to arrange delivery.

Donate a Book to a Children’s Library
John Nicholson, a big-hearted father in the Cape Flats, has been hailed a local hero for opening a children’s library in his Hillview home. Assisted by his son, John transformed his garage into a library that now houses over 5000 books. The passion project has become a haven for children who love reading and need a quiet place to learn. John relies on donations to keep his project going so if you’d like to donate books or money to assist in running the library contact him at +27(0) 74 695 4191 or email omegaview@yahoo.com.

Help the Homeless, One Sandwich at a Time
Buy a loaf of bread, a chunk of cheese and a few tomatoes to make a couple of sandwiches for those in need. You can hand them out on your way to work or spare your lunch hour feeding  the homeless. You could make this venture even simpler; buy a big bag of whichever fruit is in season (it’s normally cheaper, and more delicious), and do the same. Rather give food than money. If you would like to donate money, there are plenty of local NGOs adept at allocating funds to the proper channels.

Buy the Big Issue
Just do it; don’t pretend you have a copy stowed away somewhere in your secret garden when a vendor comes past. Forking out the cash is a small thing, but it’ll make a big difference. As the proverbial saying goes, “the change is in your pocket”. Or, for that matter, spare R2 for the folks selling the ‘Funny Money’ pamphlets – you may even get a chuckle out of it.

Say Thank You
Make someone else’s day by simply saying ‘thank you’. It can be as easy as taking a security guard a cup of coffee or helping your kids draw a thank you card for their teacher or librarian. Random acts of kindness never go unnoticed; give way to another car in traffic, offer your seat to someone when travelling on public transport, encourage a colleague at work – be kind in any way you can. These gestures may seem small, but the ripple has to start somewhere.

So many ways to give of your time so get out there!

For more ideas in Cape Town capetownmagazine.com/mandela-day