Nelson Mandela Day: A Global Call to Action
1. Introduction to Nelson Mandela Day
- Overview of Nelson Mandela Day and its global significance
2. Anvil Property Smith’s Role & Community Commitment
- How Anvil Property Smith celebrates Mandela Day and its dedication to social responsibility
3. Event Overview: A Day of Joy and Support at Kids Haven
- Summary of Anvil Property Smith’s visit to Kids Haven, activities, and purpose
4. Spotlight on Kids Haven
- Background on Kids Haven and its mission to support vulnerable children
5. The Circle of Courage: Building Foundations for Youth
- Kids Haven's educational and developmental programs for children
6. Uncle Sam’s Story and Leadership
- A profile on Malose Sam Mokgopha, CEO of Kids Haven, and his journey and contributions
7. Event Highlights: Moments of Joy and Connection
- Key moments and contributions from the Mandela Day event
8. Impact on Kids Haven and the Broader Community
- How the event fosters long-term support and engagement
9. Community and Volunteer Engagement
- Importance of community involvement in supporting Kids Haven
10. Conclusion: Celebrating Success and Looking Forward
- Reflection on the event’s impact and Anvil Property Smith’s future initiatives
11. Thank You Note
- Appreciation for Kids Haven’s partnership and hospitality
12. Call to Action: Supporting Kids Haven
- Ways to support Kids Haven through donations, volunteering, and other contributions
13. Contact Information
- Contact details for Anvil Property Smith and Kids Haven
Section 1:
INTRODUCTION
Nelson Mandela Day, celebrated annually on July 18th, is a global movement that encourages individuals and organizations to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to community service. This initiative, inspired by the 67 years Nelson Mandela spent fighting for social justice, serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to uplift those in need. It's a day that transcends borders, uniting people in acts of kindness and service, with the aim of creating a better world.
Section 2:
Anvil Property Smith's Role & the Community
Anvil Property Smith, a leader in the commercial real estate industry, recognizes the importance of giving back to the community. Committed to social responsibility, the company chose to celebrate Nelson Mandela Day 2024 by organizing a visit to Kids Haven, a haven for vulnerable children in Benoni, South Africa. Anvil Property Smith is dedicated to making a positive impact beyond the boardroom, aligning their business values with the spirit of Ubuntu—"I am because we are." Anvil Property looks forward to more partnerships with Kids Haven in the near future.
Section 3:
Event Overview: A Day of Joy and Support at Kids Haven
On July 18th 2024, Anvil Property Smith employees gathered at Kids Haven, ready to spend the day bringing joy and support to the children. Located in the heart of Benoni, Kids Haven has been a pillar of hope for at-risk youth for nearly three decades. The event was designed with the children’s needs in mind, featuring a planned meal packing activity and the distribution and organising of much-needed donations.
Section 4:
Spotlight on Kids Haven: A Safe Haven for Vulnerable Children
Kids Haven is more than just a shelter; it's a sanctuary where vulnerable children receive the care and support they need to thrive. Founded in 1992, the organization provides a safe and nurturing environment for children who have been abandoned, abused, or are otherwise at risk. Kids Haven's mission is to ensure that every child under their care has the opportunity to grow up in a stable and loving environment, free from the threats that once plagued them.
To feel seen, to feel like you matter, to feel a belonging, to understand that giving is just as important as receiving, to find your purpose.
Section 5: The Circle of Courage
Building Foundations for Youth
Section 6:
Uncle Sam’s Story and Leadership: A profile on Malose Sam Mokgopha, CEO of Kids Haven, and his journey and contributions
Kids Haven is involved in every aspect of what it means to not only look after a child in need but to ensure that each child has the best foundation possible to prepare them for their early adult years. This includes, but it by no means limited to; providing IT classes, building practical skills, holding career workshops and presentations from other company’s, future planning, organising group activities including acting, art and sport.
Malose Sam Mokgopha, affectionately known as Uncle Sam who, joined the Kids Haven team in 2000 where he’s been, for the passed 24 years, reshaping it from a what was a small shelter into the comprehensive NPO that leads child protection at every level. His story emphasises his vision for a better future and his unwavering dedication and selflessness to protecting and helping vulnerable and at risk children.
Uncle Sam’s qualification’s, both on and off paper, impress to no end and as a result has been trusted with many roles and responsibilities. He boasts a Masters Degree in Social Work with distinction and has gone from Family Reunification Manager to Residential Care Manager and Programme Manager for Pre and Aftercare, to CEO in 2020. Each position highlights a deep understanding of the children’s needs not to mention his humble beginnings in Limpopo where his grandmother’s generosity and strength instilled within him a profound respect for community and ignited his calling to make a difference by understanding and addressing the complexities of child and youth care.
“He is a man who embodies the qualities of a true leader: selflessness, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right. In a society often plagued by challenge.”
– Susan Daly (Kids Haven)
You can read more about Uncle Sam and his Phenomenal Men campaign nomination here.
Section 7:
Event Highlights: Moments of Joy and Connection
The highlight of the day was getting to understand all the massive ways (there are many) Kids Haven impacts these young children’s lives and also being able to be part of the wonderful donations given which included clothing, blankets, toiletries, food, and toys from Anvil Property Smith and many other company’s. These contributions will not only meet the immediate needs of the children but will also support their growth and development in the long term.
Section 8:
Impact on Kids Haven: A Ripple Effect of Kindness
The immediate outcomes of the event were evident in the joy and excitement that filled the air at Kids Haven. But the impact of this day goes beyond the smiles—it strengthens the relationship between Kids Haven and the broader community. Such initiatives play a crucial role in ensuring the ongoing support and well-being of the children, fostering a sense of belonging and security that is vital for their development.
Section 9:
Community and Volunteer Engagement: A Collective Effort
The involvement from the community and corporate company’s on the day underscores the importance of community engagement in driving social change. It’s a reminder that when we work together, we can create a meaningful impact.
Section 10:
Conclusion: A Celebration of Success and a Call to Action
The Nelson Mandela Day event at Kids Haven left a profound sentiment, bringing joy to the children and reinforcing the importance of community service as well as leaving a long lasting impression on the Anvil Property Smith employees. Anvil Property Smith is proud to have played a role in this initiative, celebrating Nelson Mandela Day in a way that truly embodies his legacy and we certainly aren’t done yet. We were unfortunate to miss the Career’s Day in August 2024 but look forward to next years as well as investigating other ways Anvil Property Smith can make an impact.
Section 11:
Thank You Note
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Kids Haven. You opened your doors and made us feel heart-warmingly welcome. The security and support Kids Haven provides for children in need can be felt as soon as you walk inside, a safe space for so many.
Section 12:
Supporting Kids Haven and Future Initiatives
We encourage everyone to continue supporting Kids Haven through donations, volunteering, or other means. Your support is crucial in sustaining the organization’s mission of providing a safe and nurturing environment for vulnerable children.
Section 13:
Contact Information
For more information or to explore partnership opportunities with Anvil Property Smith and Kids Haven, please contact us below;
Anvil Property Smith – Illovo 087 234 8000
Kids Haven – Children’s Home in Benoni 011 421 4222 / Donation Centre in Bryanston 011 706 7959
There are so many ways to give back, a few examples which can be found on their website, are listed below:
- Bake a Birthday Cake
- Make Mac n’ Cheese
- Clothing donations
- Make meals in a bag for the community
- Make a food parcel
- Put together a toiletry pack
- Donate party packs for 20 children
- Bake 40 biscuits
- Donations to the charity shops
- Volunteering; Kids Haven will advise on how to make the most out of your volunteering but are also in need of tutors helping with homework in the afternoons
Contact Susan at sued@kidshaven.co.za and read Kids Haven latest news letter online.
