Liverpool charitable organisation Mandela8 is marking Mandela Day this year by encouraging the public to take part in a whole week of activities.
The activities are aimed at promoting community cohesion and highlighting those who have been affected by the ongoing pandemic.
The group behind the new Nelson Mandela memorial in Princes Park had originally planned for a visit from Mandela’s family to mark its opening this July, but sadly plans had to be put on hold due to both construction work and travel being so adversely affected by the lockdown.
Adapting to the country’s current situation, the charity decided they would instead use the week – commencing 13th July – to recognise not only the pain and suffering that local communities are going through but also provide a space for organisations to recognise the work their staff and volunteers have done to help people during Covid-19.
Amongst the suggested activities for the public to get involved in are calls for community choirs to entertain residents in lockdown (whilst engaging in social distancing) as well as litter picking and planting trees.
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 this #My67Minutes campaign, sponsored by Torus Foundation.
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.