Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer

Thousands of South Africans will pick up their tools and get their hands dirty tomorrow, as part of the national volunteerism drive, Do It Day.

Co-ordinated by Greater Good South Africa and supported by Old Mutual and Nedbank, this initiative aims to encourage South Africans to use their skills, time and energy to make a difference in the lives of the poor.

Roxy Mitchell, spokesperson for GreaterGood South Africa says Do it Day gives ordinary South Africans the opportunity to connect in meaningful ways with good causes in their communities and to aim to engender a spirit of volunteerism in South Africa by enabling the public to develop long-term relationships with worthy causes.

“Our philosophy is that everyone has something to give and giving of time, energy and skills is just as valuable to community-based organizations as donating money,” she says.

Volunteerism has become a key component for leading corporates. Through Do It Day, corporates are able to mobilise their staff members to chooseprojects and volunteer their services to give back to those communities.

Andile Ncontsa, head of the Old Mutual Foundation says volunteerism is “an Ubuntu action that challenges South Africans to help build better communities and improve the lives of the poor”.

“We can harness this spirit to address our current challenges to rebuild communities and to re-engage citizens so that we all feel a shared responsibility for building a shared prosperity for all,” says Ncontsa.

He adds that the Old Mutual Foundation believes in the power of volunteerism as a driver of poverty alleviation in the country.

“If all South Africans can adopt the culture of volunteerism we will be able to assist our leaders to build a better future for all,” says Ncontsa.

Sakkie O’ Neil, Acting CEO Nedbank Foundation, says volunteerism creates an awareness of those that are less fortunate and serves as a reminder that you don’t need cash to make a difference and rebuild our communities.

“Through its involvement in projects like Do It Day, the Nedbank Foundation is succeeding in making a tangible difference to the lives and well-being of communities and individuals across South Africa. The Nedbank Foundation not o­nly ensures that its financial contributions are supported by personal involvement, it also gives all Nedbank stakeholders, particularly staff members, the opportunity to grow personally through volunteerism and active involvement in worthy causes,” says O’Neil.