Mandela Day in a time of social distancing: 5 ways to make a virtual difference

COVID-19 put inequality in the spotlight.

With millions of people without jobs and forced into poverty, the work of NGOs has never been more crucial.

And there has never been a more crucial time to help them.

It’s around this time of year that corporates prepare for Mandela Day, stocking up on paint and gardening supplies to uplift local charities. But this year, under social distancing, corporates need to get creative in how they support the social organisations that have taken the brunt of the Coronavirus impact – without being physically present.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation appeals to people to do what they can, while keeping themselves and others safe. Here are a few ways to do that:

1. Ask before you donate

Ask your charity what they need right now to make things easier. Maybe it’s food, maybe blankets, maybe a contribution to their electricity bill.

Their request may be surprisingly simple and easy to make it happen. A fridge, for example, can be delivered to a soup kitchen in a few clicks, and is more useful to the charity right now than a massive food donation with no cold place to store it.

2. Your trash is another man’s treasure

Lockdown forced many businesses to upgrade their technology to support remote teams. Consider donating your old computers and smartphones to schools, NGOs, or other learning institutions.

And, if remote working suits your business model and you’re considering downgrading your office space, these organisations will gladly accept your furniture, appliances, and stationery, for a more comfortable learning environment.

3. Partner, partner, partner

Effective social engagement is about long-term relationships and commitment. It takes time and sustained effort to make a real difference to the organisations you partner with.

The best way to have a long-lasting, sustainable impact is to build supportive partnerships on trust and collaboration. Check in with your charity regularly to understand the challenges they face, not just in their organisation but also in the wider community.

ALSO READ: Robin Hood Foundation’s collaborations bring relief to many in need

4. Money is always appreciated

You could donate to the broader fight against Covid-19, by supporting initiatives like the Solidarity Fund, but you may never see the impact of your contribution.

According to the National Small Business Chamber, only six per cent of small businesses that applied for relief funding were successful.

If registered, tax-compliant businesses are having a hard time accessing funds, how challenging must it be for a non-registered, community-based NPO?

5. Don’t have money to give?

There’s so much you can do for very little or no money at all, like offering your services, pro bono, to your chosen charity.

NGOs would be grateful for help with their finances, a website, legal advice, or mentorship.

You could also help your charity by setting up a Given Gain page.

The average fundraiser connects with 15 donors and raises R10 000 simply by creating a project and sharing it with friends and family.

Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting

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