In a small town in the Eastern Cape on 18 July 1918, a man who would be instrumental in changing the course of a country was born. This man is Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
In 2008, it was declared that 18 July would be Mandela Day – a day on which we celebrate the 67 years Madiba gave to making a difference in the lives of others by dedicating 67 minutes of our time to making a difference in the lives of those around us. What did Flowstars get up to this Mandela Day? Well, here are some pictures.
Durban Flowstars partnered with uShaka Marine World to serve tea and cupcakes to the residents of the Association for the Aged (Tafta).
Tafta is a registered non-profit organisation devoted to improving the welfare of aged people living in Durban.
To add to the festivities, uShaka Marine World mascots paid a visit to Tafta for a fun song and dance, while the uShaka CEO reminded everyone about the purpose of Mandela Day and uTata’s legacy – giving of our time and energy to make a difference in the life of someone else.
Flowstars in the Mother City used their knitting skills to make a difference. Said Stuart Buchanan: “Flow Cape Town joined volunteers at the Mandela Day Knitathon at Mandela Rhodes Place.
“While Roy Barford’s crocheting skills leave much to be desired, he helped out by donating colouring books and crayons, and offering some social media assistance for the event; Lynnette Johns wowed her colleagues with a hidden talent, leading the pack on the knitting front and donating a square of wool that will go towards a blanket for someone in need; Leanne Pohlmann got into the spirit of the event, even if she was no match for her colleague, Lynnette; and I avoided the needles altogether and documented the event from behind the camera.”
Check out the short video below to see the Cape Town team in action:
In Jo’burg, one group of Flowstars cleaned the streets near the office – armed with black refuse bags, they spent their 67 minutes helping keep some of Dunkeld’s streets rubbish-free ... for one day, at least.
Another group of Jo’burg Flowstars visited the Princess Alice Adoption Home, an orphanage in Westcliff. They took along nappies, baby formula, toys, baby oil and baby bum cream – items urgently needed by the home.
The home’s primary purpose is to be a place of safety for children; many of the children are brought to the home by social workers, while some are brought by mothers who are unable to care for them.
In the spirit of Mandela Day, we look forward to continuing to do what we can, where we can, with what we have.