What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” ~ Nelson Mandela
This year, for Mandela Day, we’ve partnered with local soup kitchens, Old Bethlehem and Boschendal Farm to honour the elderly in our community. Just as this day reminds us of our ability to uplift those around us with small acts of kindness, we hope that we can inspire others to do their part within their own communities.
With great appreciation for their significant contribution, we delivered care packages to 67 elderly individuals that have been pillars of strength in their communities during these trying times. Our team of volunteers visited surrounding communities on Friday, 17 July to honour these individuals with delicious homemade treats from Boschendal farm and a few COVID-19 safety essentials.
Previously, we have also joined forces with local charities, churches, schools and community leaders in the farm’s neighbouring community of the Dwars River Valley near Franschhoek. Boschendal delivers 200 loaves of bread and around 1 000 eggs to three different soup kitchens weekly. The farm also supplies meat, eggs and vegetables to the Pebbles Project Kitchen, a charity that delivers 2 500 family meals a week and an additional 500 food parcels to feed disadvantaged families in the Cape winelands region.
The former president’s legacy of public service and ubuntu (humanity towards others) has inspired an ethos of giving back that goes beyond the annual Mandela Day celebrations to bring about sustainable social improvement. The Boschendal farm is home to an impressive selection of produce, including organic vegetables, pasture-raised eggs and meat, and freshly baked bread. Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa and the subsequent lockdown period which began at the end of March, Boschendal has focused its efforts on distributing these nutritious foods to those who need it most during this time of severe economic hardship. We hope that this will encourage people to continue supporting the younger generations in such a time of uncertainty.
The food relief programmes have allowed Boschendal to make a real difference in the local community, and the cooperation between the various role players to deliver the projects has created a strong sense of solidarity in a time of crisis. As a major employer in the area, it has also been an opportunity for Boschendal to give back to the people who have been a part of the farm’s extended family for generations.
As companies and individuals, we all have the power to carry Nelson Mandela’s legacy and ideals forward. To find out how you can join the global movement for giving back and serve your community through humanitarian causes, visit mandeladay.com. Happy Nelson Mandela Day!
