Green Point resident, celebrity chef, television personality and author Zola Nene is encouraging residents to spend their 67 minutes this Mandela Day by making a lasting difference in the lives of thousands of young children through Ladles of Love's Hands-On Heroes campaign.
Nene has partnered with the Cape Town-based non-profit organisation to encourage individuals, families, schools and businesses to volunteer at its flagship Mandela Day event at DHL Stadium on Friday, July 17.
The initiative aims to support the nutrition and education of 20 000 preschool children from under-resourced communities across South Africa.
For Nene, the campaign reflects the important role food has played throughout her life.
"Food has always been about sharing moments, connection and culture," she said.
"Some of my fondest family memories happened around the dining table. It was about more than just eating; it was about nourishing both the mind and soul."
She said good nutrition was essential for children's development and learning.
"We all know how important food is for brain function. Expecting a child to learn and excel while being hungry is unreasonable. Proper nourishment gives children the best opportunity to focus, learn and thrive," she said.
During the event, volunteers will spend 67 minutes preparing sandwiches and nutrition packs, creating educational resources for preschools, making teaching aids and assembling grow boxes with vegetable and herb seeds to support community food gardens.
According to Ladles of Love, the cost of one ticket provides a preschool child with two nutritious meals a day for an entire month.
Nene said the campaign was about more than donating money.
"Showing up and giving your time is one of the simplest ways to actively care and support others. Knowing that you played a part in creating something that will have an impact on someone else's life is incredibly rewarding."
Founded in Cape Town in 2014 by Danny Diliberto, Ladles of Love has grown from a weekly soup kitchen into a national organisation tackling hunger through preschool feeding schemes, community kitchens and other support programmes.
Individual tickets cost R300, while students and pensioners pay R200. Group and corporate packages are also available.
Bookings can be made at www.ladlesoflove.org.za.
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