Liverpool charity marks Mandela Day with '67 Minutes' campaign

Submitted by One Fell Swoop

Covid-19 lockdown proceedings have led to severe pressures being placed on the UK's charity sector, with many organisations facing financial turmoil as a result of cancelled events.

Mandela8, a Liverpool-based charitable organisation that undertakes community initiatives in honour of Nelson Mandela, is celebrating Mandela Day this year by encouraging the public to participate in a week's worth of activities to promote community spirit and highlight those who have been affected by Covid-19.

The group, who have spearheaded the construction of the new Nelson Mandela memorial in Princes Park, had originally planned for a visit from Mandela's family to mark its opening this July.

Unfortunately, plans had to be put on hold due to ongoing construction work and travel restrictions having been put in place as a result of lockdown. Nevertheless, Mandela8 have continued to push forward with their #My67Minutes initiative in the hopes of uniting communities with a message of hope and healing.

Adapting to the UK's situation under lockdown, the charity decided that they would instead use the week, which is commencing July 13, to recognise the pain and suffering that local communities are currently going through.

Simultaneously, the group will provide a space for organisations to recognise the work that their staff and volunteers have undertaken to help people during the pandemic.

Chair of Mandela8, Sonia Bassey, said: "2020 has been a year of significant world events so far and Mandela8 has been truly moved by the country’s response to Covid-19 and the murder of George Floyd.

"This atrocity has shown us all around the world that in many ways we still live in an Apartheid state.  This also reinforces the need for us all to celebrate each other for our differences and contributions we all bring to society".

While adhering to social distancing guidelines, participants will litter pick and plant trees or take part in community choirs that will entertain residents in lockdown.

Participants are encouraged to spend 67 minutes of their day taking part in their chosen act of kindness - one minute for every year of Mandela's public service - as part of the #My67Minutes campaign.

A special memorial section of the Mandela8 website will also be reserved for submissions from the general public, allowing them to post tributes and photos of loved ones who have been lost during the pandemic.

Mandela Week will take place July, 13 – 21, 2020.

If you would like to find out more information about the initiative, you may do so by visiting their website here.