67 minutes for Mandela Day

In honour of Madiba’s birthday, some our villagers got involved in a day of love, laughter and giving.

For their ‘67’ minutes they joined a team of 50 volunteers and took 63 underprivileged children (aged from 3yrs – 16yrs old) from Heavenly Valley Community Centre in Eldorado Park to the Johannesburg Zoo on Saturday the 16th of July.

The day began with a much appreciated lunch sponsored by Nandos. With full and happy tummys, children and their volunteers set off on their day of fun; activities included a tour around the zoo to see the animals (a first for most for the children), face painting, soccer, bubble chasing, fun fair rides and most importantly being happy and care-free for a day.

The event finished off with the children each receiving a goodie bag full of treats as well as an age appropriate educational toy, very generously donated by Ideal Toys. Between building blocks, puzzles, memory cards and laptops, a frenzy of excitement ensued…

What we at the Village learnt was that 120 Nandos meals + 150 Minute Maid drinks + 63 educational toys + 63 underprivileged kids + 50 volunteers + 67 minutes of your time = a day of smiles and priceless experiences.

The day was testament to the fact that you don’t have to do a lot to make a big difference in someone’s life.