Contact: Karin Ash, Manager of Arts, Culture and Heritage, 905-508-7012, ext. 225, karin.ash@richmondhill.ca

Members of the Community Invited to Sign up to Devote 67 Minutes to Helping Others

RICHMOND HILL – On July 18, Richmond Hill will recognize Nelson Mandela Day, acknowledging Mr. Mandela’s role as a world leader and determination to make a difference. For this day, Richmond Hill is encouraging residents to devote 67 minutes of their time to help others in need.

Nelson Mandela was President of South Africa from 1994-1999 and devoted 67 years of his life to public service and democracy. He was an inspirational leader who fought for freedom and human rights not only for his people, but everyone around the world. July 18 has been designated as an international day in honour of Mr. Mandela and in commemoration of his birthday.

“Imagine what would happen if every resident donated 67 minutes of their time in one year! What a huge difference it would make to our community,” said Mayor Dave Barrow. “Richmond Hill has a great history of volunteerism and with Nelson Mandela Day we want to continue to support and encourage that spirit of community and helping our neighbours.”

Richmond Hill has many great options available throughout the year for those willing to volunteer. Individuals can volunteer to assist with recreational programs such as camps and aquatics, participate in events like Canada Day or Concerts in the Park and assist with environmental outreach activities such as public information sessions, tree planting and gardening. Anyone interested in learning more about the process or how to get involved can visit the Richmond Hill website for details.

Volunteering benefits the community at large. Individuals who give their time to helping others also benefit from the opportunity to learn a new skill, gain leadership experience, meet new people and find inspiration from others. Volunteering can be a stepping stone for achieving one’s personal goals. Interested volunteers can commit to long-term or short-term assignments and potentially complete the hours needed to meet high school or post-secondary requirements.

In 2013, more than 700 volunteers contributed approximately 34,000 hours to helping the Richmond Hill community.

Richmond Hill is a strong supporter of and committed to acknowledging volunteers for the time and effort they put forward to lend a helping hand. Each year volunteers are recognized at Richmond Hill’s annual Volunteer Achievement Awards ceremony. The event honours residents and organizations that have shown long-term dedication and commitment to building a stronger community through their volunteering efforts.

Visit RichmondHill.ca/Volunteers for more information.

 Backgrounder: Richmond Hill Recognizes Nelson Mandela Day

About Nelson Mandela Day
Nelson Mandela International Day is an annual day celebrated on Mandela’s birthday, July 18. The United Nations officially declared the day in November 2009. It recognizes Mandela’s contributions and is inspired by his call to future generations to “serve every day” and change the world for the better.

Follow and use the #MANDELADAY hashtag on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to join in on the conversation and share your commitment of giving back. Visit mandeladay.com for more information about Nelson Mandela Day.

About Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela (Rolihlahla Mandela) was born into the Madiba clan in the village of Mvezo, Transkei, on July 18, 1918. He was a South African anti-apartheid activist, politician and philanthropist. Mandela served as the first black president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999 and was the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. Nelson Mandela passed away on International Volunteer Day Thursday, December 5, 2013 at the age of 95.

Facts:

• Mandela was released in 1990, after 27 years of imprisonment by the South African apartheid government.
• He was South Africa's first black chief executive.
• Mandela established the Nelson Mandela Foundation to combat poverty and HIV/AIDS.
• In his lifetime he received more than 695 awards, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize.
• In 1942, he joined the African National Congress.
• He was a lawyer in addition to an activist and politician.
• He was awarded honorary degrees from more than 50 universities worldwide.
• 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of the end of apartheid.

Quotes by Nelson Mandela
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

“Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.”

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

"A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."

“Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.”