As former South African President Nelson Mandela celebrated his 94th birthday on July 18, the world paid homage to him by volunteering at various social service organizations. Three years ago, the United Nations declared July 18 Nelson Mandela Day and encouraged people worldwide to volunteer for a minimum of 67 minutes at social service organizations, particularly those that help kids. Mandela devoted sixty-seven years to affecting change and social issues.
In this spirit, volunteers from the South African Embassy stopped by the Capital Area Food Bank’s DC location to help pack and sort food on one of the hottest days in the region.
“Even if it was 110 degrees outside, we still would have come out,” said Roger Isaacs, a volunteer from the South African Embassy. “Sixty-seven minutes is the least someone can do for a man who has dedicated his life to helping not only South African people, but all people.” He continued that the food bank was the ideal place to volunteer because it has a variety of programs that serve children.
The Capital Area Food Bank is grateful to all the volunteers from the South African Embassy who stopped by the food bank to lend a helping hand in honor of Nelson Mandela Day.