Hades Thrift Shop in Randburg marked Mandela Day with a community donation drive that supported two important causes: Pet Empowerment in Townships (PETS) and 1 Small Act of Kindness.

Led by shop owners Ardele Fernándes and Nono Tau, alongside community member Katherine Williams, the initiative welcomed donations from residents across the area. Items such as pet food, clothing, and toiletries were collected throughout the day.

Read more: Hades Thrift builds community through kindness

Mandela Day, celebrated every year on July 18, encourages people to spend 67 minutes doing something to help others. For Fernándes and her team, it was an opportunity to make giving easy and accessible. “Mandela had a vision to bring South Africa together. I believe kindness and helping the less fortunate are vital. Mandela Day reminds us of that.”

PETS focuses on animal welfare in under-resourced communities, while 1 Small Act of Kindness supports vulnerable individuals with basic daily needs. The donated goods will go directly towards helping these groups continue their work.

Although Mandela Day was the focus, Fernándes said the spirit of giving is part of Hades Thrift Shop’s daily mission. “We try to help every day. We believe kindness will prevail eventually.”

The event showed how simple actions, when done together, can bring hope, healing, and change… A true reflection of Madiba’s dream.

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