Volunteer on Mandela Day to help the less fortunate

Hester van Zijl, the director of Step Foundation, thanked the volunteers and said that non-profit organisations like Step rely heavily on volunteers.

This outreach is only an example of what can truly be achieved when people join hands to help disadvantaged schools and non-profit organisations. On July 18, the birthday of deceased President Nelson Mandela, it has become customary to offer 60 minutes of goodwill to the less fortunate. There are several charities in Steelpoort, Burgersfort, Ohrigstad, Mashishing and Lydenburg that need assistance.

Here are some of the organisations to phone:

• Wings of Gratitude provides food on a daily basis to two old age home complexes. Phone Toinette Keel on 072 680 2434.
• Soli Deo Gloria Care Centre. Phone Gerda Venter on 072 402 6595.
• Jethro House focuses on domestic abuse and is always in need of support. Phone Charmaine de Grave on 073 066 8836.
• CMR Welfare Organisation in Lydenburg. Call 013 235 2137. • Rusoord Old Age Home. Call 013 235 2146.
• Food for Mashishing. Call 082 778 6423.
• Lydenburg Hospital’s social workers will assist with a contact number of organisations in Mashishing and Skhila. Contact 013 235 2231. Arrangements can be made to volunteer at the hospital, too – maybe a wall needs to be painted or a chair fixed.
• Rita Beukes of RATA, a charity organisation similar to CMR. Contact 013 235 4373.
• Shaunette Erasmus, Enjabuleni Care Centre and Lydenburg Dienssentrum vir Bejaardes. Phone 084 208 0919.
• Rusoord Home for the Aged, Lydenburg: Phone 013 235 2146.
• Pastor Zodwa in Mashishing, a soup kitchen for children and family. Phone: 081 559 4238.

Mandela Day is a global call to action for people to recognise their individual power to make an imprint and change the world around them.

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(Please note that all the charities weren’t named so reach out to those you know about).

1. Volunteer at a feeding programme – Perhaps you do not have money to donate, but you could give of your time. There are a number of feeding schemes around the country that work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure that people have access to warm meals. You could help these people and organisations by giving of your time and assisting with meal preparation or dishing up at the drop-off points. Look up programmes in your area and see what is on offer.
2. Donate a blanket – Blanket drives are popular during winter and it is an easy way to give back and help others. These are organised by individuals and organisations and usually have drop-off points.
3. Add just one thing to your shopping cart Non-perishable or long-life goods such as lentils, long-life milk, beans, tinned goods, and rice can make a big difference in someone’s life. You could donate this to your religious organisation, NGO or any other programmes in your area.
4. Donate your pre-loved clothes There are probably many items in your closet that you no longer need or wear. It’s time to give them away. Create a donation box of all your winter items that you and your family no longer wear and drop them off at a nearby shelter or charity shop. Reach out to your local church group or old age home, for instance.
5. Send an email to michelle@steelburgernews.co.za. Steelburger/Lydenburg News wishes to publish deeds of goodwill after the Mandela Day drive. Readers are welcome to contact the newspaper.