Give away some of your clothes this Mandela Day. Picture: Pexels.
Every year on July 18, the world commemorates Mandela Day to celebrate the birthday of the late former South African president Nelson Mandela.
Mandela Day is a charity day where everyone is encouraged to do something for 67 minutes or more to give back to the community.
While some organisations usually give out blankets and food parcels to help the needy, you too can do something without breaking the bank.
Give away clothes
Everyone has a few items in their wardrobe that they no longer wear. Well, there’s someone out there who might need those clothes.
Wash, iron and pack them neatly to donate them to a charity of your choice or to anyone (especially children) who need proper clothing.
Offer a new hairstyle
If you’re a hairstylist or know how to do hair, volunteer to give a new hairstyle to any woman who can’t afford to go to the salon.
You can offer your free services to anyone going to an interview or someone starting a new job so that they look presentable and feel confident on their big day.
Laundry services
Many households in South Africa need assistance from adults. This Mandela Day, pick one of those families and offer to do their laundry for free, especially school uniforms for children still in primary school.
They can also assist, under your guidance, so that they also prove the children come from warm, loving homes.
Donate hygiene products
According to a study conducted by Stellenbosch University Hospital, 30% of young girls in South Africa are affected by period poverty.
This means that they cannot afford proper sanitary towels when it’s that time of the month and sometimes end up missing school, affecting their academic performance.
To help restore their dignity and keep them in school, you can donate sanitary pads with hygienic products such as soap, toothpaste, roll-on and body lotion so that they look and feel their best during their menstrual period.
Matric dance make-over
This one doesn’t have to be on Mandela Day per se, but you can start planning for the big day now.
Choose a Grade 12 learner to sponsor their matric dance look. It’s always best to pick someone from a disadvantaged background to help them look like a princess/prince on their special day.
Remember, giving back is not only reserved for Mandela Day. If you can, always help the next person without expecting anything in return.