Soviet Denim contributes 67 minutes for Mandela Day

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18th July marks a very prominent time of the year for South Africa. It is the birth day of the great icon, Nelson Mandela. The Mandela Day campaign message is:

"Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes."

"We would be honoured if such a day can serve to bring together people around the world to fight poverty and promote peace and reconciliation," according to a statement issued on Mandela's behalf.

Soviet went to Jan Hofmeyer Community Services Center in Vrededorp, a non-racial charity organisation.

Presently one cooked meal is provided per day five days a week to approximately 171 children, 121 Senior citizens and 47 unemployed/destitute people. The service is operated by the community [staff in the kitchen are local volunteers], from the community under the supervision of a Management Committee. Soviet went through with boxes of pies and bags of blankets. 

As we arrived we had a very warm welcome by the kids and the staff of Jan Hofmeyer Community Services. They make you feel at home. It was a great feeling. We started out by dishing up the pies, before breakfast commenced, one of the kids came and stood up in front of the hall to say a prayer. Once everyone finished breakfast, we started handing out blankets to everyone. The smiles that we saw on their faces was incredible, the appreciation that they had was admirable and everyones spirits were lifted. We then walked around, spoke to the kids, played a few games and had numerous laughs. 

Soviet team with the kids at Jan Hofmeyer Community Services Center.

We then left Jan Hofmeyer and made our way to the Joburg Gen Hospital. We went to the cancer ward to hand out Soviet beanies to all the patients. Now, just to explain the situation in brief, the patients were all having treatment done, so excitement wasn't exactly booming inside the ward. As we started handing out the beanies, those smiles appeared bright and big and that is what we came for. What a sight that was. 

It was a great experience and filled with a lot of heart-warming moments. Moments we will never forget and will continue to create. We urge everyone out there, not just to donate on Mandela Day but to find time out of your busy year to give as much as you can. It was an eye-opener to see just how privileged we are compared to some people. 

"No-one has ever become poor by giving." - Anne Frank

Watch the video here.