Every year, South Africans celebrate Mandela Day on July 18. Individuals, companies and groups set aside 67 minutes of their day (one minute for each year Mandela served our country), to make someone else’s life a little better.

This year, everything looks different due to COVID-19. To celebrate the memory of former president Nelson Mandela, the City of Cape Town will bring care packages to patients in hospitals suffering from COVID-19.

“This year, we have already seen so many South Africans embody the spirit of love, sharing and selflessness, helping wherever there was a need, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the vast humanitarian need created by the lockdown,” Premier Alan Winde said in a statement.

Winde added that many of the patients in healthcare facilities are among the most vulnerable and are in need of basic items, or are isolated from family and would appreciate a simple token of love and care. “You can help by preparing a care package, or donating some of the most needed items such as fleece blankets, socks, toiletries, warm clothing and face masks. You can also include a homemade get well soon card, write a poem, or draw a picture that we can give to our patients,” says Winde.

Individuals and corporates wanting to get involved, please contact Harry Grainger at The Health Foundation on: 021 418 1580 / 072 6133 719

Care packages can also be dropped off. Please label it with “Spreading Warmth” and your name and drop it off at: The Health Foundation offices (16th Floor Norton Rose House, 8 Riebeek Street, Cape Town).

Let’s come together to bring some comfort and hope to those who need it most in this time.

Picture: Pixabay

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