Nelson Mandela: My67 campaign - Uncover Liverpool

Nelson Mandela’s daughter is calling on the people of Liverpool to mark next month’s Mandela Day by spending 67 minutes improving the lives of others.

Supported by Liverpool City Council, the My67 campaign has been established by charity Mandela8 in partnership with Dr Makaziwe ‘Maki’. It aims to mark the 67 years Nelson Mandela fought for social justice by encouraging people to give up 67 minutes of their time to help others.

Dr Maki said: “I am very happy to learn that Mandela8 will be celebrating by doing acts of kindness and goodness with the Liverpool community – it is very exciting. My father said what matters in life is not that you have lived your life, but that you have made a difference in the lives of other people. This is about showing love and compassion to your neighbours.”

Mandela Day takes place on Thursday 18 July – Nelson Mandela’s birthday – and anyone wishing to be part of the uplifting initiative is being asked to carry out their good deed either on the day itself, or anytime that week.

The call-out has the backing of legendary American singer and member of the Jacksons, Jermaine Jackson, who has already pledged to give up 67 minutes of his time.

The superstar performer said that “I want you all to be part of the Mandela8, My67 minutes, and do something good for someone else who needs your help – a neighbour, a stranger or even your community.”

My67 was piloted in 2018 and was initially aimed at youngsters across the city. As part of the scheme, 170 schools received Nelson Mandela’s autobiography The Long Walk to Freedom and school pupils took part in litter picks, art projects, gardening and raised money for local charities with football fundraisers and bake sales.

This year, everyone across the city, and the North West, is being urged to take part, with suggested activities including:

– Get involved in a community planting project

– If you grow your own fruit and vegetables, gift them to family and friends

– Get to know a neighbour, if they’re elderly, offer to mow the lawn of do odd-jobs around their house

– Arrange a community skip with your neighbours

– Support your local foodbank

– Volunteer at a local charity

– Mentor someone – young or old

– Organise a group walk and talk to benefit people’s health and wellbeing

There are more than 60 suggested ideas for how to get involved on the official website —https://www.mandela8.org.uk/my-67/. Organisers are encouraging everyone who takes part to promote their acts of kindness on social media using #mandela8my67minutes or #my67minutes.