Mr Mandela spent 67 years making the world a better place and Project Portfolio Office (PPO) celebrated this great man’s birthday on the 18th of July by devoting 67 minutes of our time, one minute for every year of Mandela’s public service, as a small gesture of solidarity with the rest of the world and a step forward toward the movement for good.
After a successful Easter initiative and winter blanket drive earlier this year, PPO gave back this past Mandela Day to the Boitumelo Children’s Home in Soshanguve. It is home to about 48 children of different ages, who were abandoned, have suffered extreme hardships and even worse living conditions. Sophie Msiza, the house mother, is assisted by six caregivers who generously and selflessly volunteer their time to love, care and educate these kids.
To support our philosophy of giving back, PPO donated a brand new custom built jungle gym for the home. The team just couldn’t help themselves and spent just as much time as the kids playing on the freshly painted gym. The jungle gym was completed in the weeks leading up to Mandela Day and was the perfect initiative to get the youngsters playing on an otherwise very empty plot. It was immediately the centre of attraction which also inspired them to sing an impromptu happy birthday song to Madiba.
We enjoyed a truly South African lunch of boerewors rolls accompanied by delicious yellow cupcakes and balloons for a truly festive birthday party in Mr Mandela’s honour.
Mr Mandela said: “Together as a nation, we have the obligation to put sunshine into the hearts of the little ones. They are our precious possessions. They deserve what happiness life can offer”.
Follow our Blog to see how we give back to our community, or if you wish to participate in any future initiatives, please contact us at givingback@go2ppo.com.
