How to use your 67 Mandela Day minutes wisely on 18 July 2019
Nelson Mandela International Day is an annual international day declared in honour of Nelson Mandela by the United Nations in November 2009, and celebrated each year on 18 July, which was this great man’s birthday. Today, South Africans honour the 67 years Mandela spent in prison by devoting 67 minutes of their time on this day to make the world a better place.
HOW TO MAKE AN IMPACT WITH YOUR 67 MINUTES THIS MANDELA DAY
Choose a cause close to your heart
Every person has a cause or two that lies very close to their heart. This may be neglected children, under-resourced eldery citizens, animal welfare, the environment, education, etc. When you choose how to spend your 67 minutes this year, choose a cause that really fires you up. If you are naturally inclined towards animals, you could spend the day at a shelter, cleaning, sprucing up, or giving the animals some love. If your heart lies with the plight of children, you could donate your time to improve conditions at a day care centre in a disadvantaged community or arrange an educational outing for a group of youngsters. There are many ways to give back; find a way that works for you.
Give in a way that empowers the recipient
A golden rule of giving charity is to do so in a way that empowers the recipient. For instance, if you donate your time to assist at a homeless shelter, be sensitive to the feelings of the people you encounter there. Engage with them on a warm, personal level and don’t exploit their need (e.g. by taking selfies with someone without asking permission and posting it to social media). The same goes for children and the elderly – be cognisant of your privilege in these situations, and treat everyone kindly.
Use your skills to drive change
Mandela Day is a wonderful opportunity to use your skill set to give back to the community. If you’re a landscape architect or avid home gardener, you could lend a hand at a school or park to plant, weed and generally improve a garden. Writers and photographers can create web content or marketing material for NGOs; DIY enthusiasts and carpenters can lend a hand at community centres or the homes of disadvantaged families, etc. Take a look at your skill set and find a way to put it to good use.
There you have it – a few top tips on making a tangible difference this Mandela Day. At Libertine Consultants, we have decided to a give a FREE credit analysis to 5 clients who sign up between now and the 18th of July. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and Twitter profile to find out more about this offer and how you can enter to stand a chance to be selected. In the meantime, also feel free to reach out to a Libertine Consultants representative if you would like to learn more about our credit services and debt services. We’re here to help you pave the way to a more prosperous future.
