WATCH: 67 minutes can turn into years of giving

Five years ago, Carla Turner’s mom and a few friends made dinner for the Tower of Life Men’s Shelter for Mandela Day.

The shelter offers, for R20 a night, a shower, a meal, and a bed to the homeless men of Krugersdorp. They also have a shelter for women.

Carla’s mom was so moved by the service they offer, she decided to ask her church community to try to keep serving one meal a month.

Fast forward five years, and this month their church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ turn to cook fell on Mandela Day. Wanting to make it a bit more interesting, the congregation decided to serve up a favourite meal of Madiba’s – delicious sweet, saucy and spicy chicken with rice, which is the recipe from his personal chef, Xoliswa Ndoyiya.

A Facebook post from the shelter simply asking for water bottles also inspired a collection. The goal was to collect 101 bottles (to celebrate Mandela’s 101st birthday).

“We collected 148!” Carla said. “And did you know, the number one item of clothing wanted by a homeless person is socks? We’ve managed to donate 64 pairs, plus 71 towels, and a few shower gels too!”

Carla said it touched her heart to be reminded that small acts over 67 minutes can absolutely turn into years of giving.

“As Madiba said, ‘It’s always impossible till it’s done’… one person can really make a difference, so don’t discount your small donations, they really make someone feel more human, that they matter and that there is still so much good in the world.