MAKING MADIBA PROUD!

Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated annually on 18 July to honour the life, legacy, and values of the former President of South Africa and a global icon of peace, humility, reconciliation, and social justice. The aim of this day is to inspire individuals and communities across the globe to take action and make a positive difference, following the example set by Madiba.

The ‘Forgotten Ones,’ a sub-committee of Stanford Conservation, initiated a 67-Minute Volunteering effort on Nelson Mandela Day that saw locals and some visitors spending time clearing and tidying up Stanford’s oldest East cemetery along Moore Street, where there are graves dating as far back as 150 years ago.

Volunteers were encouraged to bring along some garden tools, a mat to kneel on, a hat and a sense of humour.

Well, what a day it turned out to be! It was an early start in perfect winter sunshine. There was an amazing turnout of more than 40 volunteers all eager to get stuck in to help wherever needed – from digging out weeds, to planting young trees, covering the bases of trees with wood chips and tidying up some of the graves. Some volunteers ended up putting in a lot more than the 67 minutes asked of them; some went so far as putting in three or four hours at a time, living up to the theme of the year: “It is in Your Hands.” It was an opportunity to get to know the person working alongside with a common purpose. Many people commented that they found it very therapeutic and calming and have offered to join the ‘Forgotten Ones’ weekly Thursday morning cleaning sessions. The weather chose to close in, with rain and wind ending the day earlier than expected. However, the sense of achievement, community spirit and teamwork was heartwarming and endearing.

A special word of thanks to the following people and places:

• Every volunteer for pitching up and getting stuck in.

• Nick and his team from Stanford Sawmill for donating two cubic metres of wood chips.

• Glenn and Raine from Born as the Earth for donating 67 trees and for their ongiong support.

• Stanford restaurants for donating tea & coffee (Stanford Kitchen, The Zesty Lemon, Ou Meul, Union Grocery & Eatery, Egret & the Owl, and Searle’s Garagiste).

• Sandra Cumming from Rivergate Farm for bringing her team of gardeners to assist for a few hours.

• The Forgotten Ones team for always making time for the souls who have gone before us.

• Stanford Conservation for their ongoing guidance and support.