NELSON MANDELA CENTENARY 2018 – BE THE LEGACY

Mandela Day 2018 marked the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth. To celebrate Mandela Day, employees at Douglas Roberts Centre wanted to make a difference to an organisation within our local community.

The Alice Care Centre and Soup Kitchen, located in Egoli Township, near Germiston was identified as our Mandela Day beneficiary. The centre was founded by Alice Kabule, who sought to help the underprivileged children in her neighbourhood. She runs a small crèche and feeds 150 local children five days a week.

On Mandela Day, employees at the Douglas Roberts Centre came together and produced 150 food packs and thanks to many generous donations we had a large selection of toys, clothing and non-perishable food items for the centre. The young children in the crèche also received a warm mattress and a blanket each!

The delivery team drove three fully-loaded vehicles to the centre and handed over the food packs and collection to Alice and the carers. The children had each prepared an introduction for us and also shared their aspirations for their future, with many aspiring to be teachers and policemen!

When receiving their hand knitted beanies and toys, there were no fights or tears, just smiles and gratitude and lots of hugs andkisses. It is debatable who found the most joy from the experience, the children, their carers or the group from Murray & Roberts. Alice and her team of carers have very little themselves, but sought to alleviate the poverty in their community.

“Thank you to everyone who gave of their time and resources, these small acts of kindness had a huge impact on Alice and the children” says Zelia Soares, Murray & Roberts Group Leadership and Succession Executive.