Bfn gives back

Residents of Vrystaat Nasorg Centre each received a beanie and the centre received 67 Jars of Hope to make nutricious soup. Receiving the gifts from Bloemfontein Mediclinic are from the left Khomo Tisetso and Neil McLaughlin (residents), Valencia Swarts and dr. Franco Erasmus (Mediclinic). Photo’s: Lientjie Mentz

Nelson Mandela Day was celebrated throughout Bloemfontein on Tuesday (18/07), with people each making their own small contribution to ensure the city becomes a happier and cleaner place.

As part of the 67 minutes for Mandela, traditionally observed on this day, the Bloemfontein SAPS Airwing visited the Universitas Academic Hospital’s oncology ward to reach out to cancer patients.

The Bloem Clown Troop took part in a Mandela Day parade, starting at the Civic Theatre. From the left are Naledi Dammie, Peace Moletsane and Charl Henning. Nwabisile Mphasa is inside the Madiba figure. Foto: Kobus Robbertze

After spending some time with the vulnerable little ones, they proceeded to the CHOC House, where cancer patients are housed while receiving treatment.

Col Moeketsi Phiri, unit commander, said it was heartbreaking to see little souls suffering in this way.

As part of the 67 Litres of Soup project of Chefs with Compassion, Woolworths donated ingredients and students of the Olive Chef School cooked soup for the workers at the Boitekong Protective Workshop in Batho. From the left are Nthabiseng Sehume (Woolworths Northridge), Nonceba Mogudulu (Olive Shef School) and Lydia Mondli (Woolworths Northridge).

Bloem Shelter, in Raymond Mhlaba Street, was a hive of activity with renovations taking place in some of the old rooms at the back of this shelter for women.

Students of the University of the Free State (UFS) helped to paint a wall mural to create awareness about and emphasise the impact of gender-based violence in the community.

Heidi Morgan, manager of Bloem Shelter, said the day was a celebration with residents taking part in activities to make bean lynyards, as well as using wooden pallets to make a play area for children. Several volunteers joined in to help.

The staff of Bloemfontein Mediclinic did their part with a 67 Jars of Hope project. In the spirit of the theme “Climate, Food and Solidarity” they donated 67 bottles with wholesome soup mix they had put together and a beanie to each of the 120 residents of Vrystaat-nasorg­sentrum.

The Mangaung Metro and the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, worked together to clean up parts of the central business district (CBD) and Central Park in consideration of the huge impact of pollution on climate change and the effect thereof on food security.

Students from the University of the Free State helped to paint the outside wall of Bloemshelter to make people more aware of gender based violence. One of these students taking part in the activities is Wendy Ncawana.

Gregory Nthatisi, acting mayor, as well as Makhotso Sotyu, deputy minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, also visited Wepener as part of the Mandela Day celebrations observed by the Mangaung Metro Municipality.