As a global icon, former South African President Nelson Mandela has been immortalised for his stance against injustice while driving compassion and equality. In a dedicated effort to honour Madiba’s legacy, Mediclinic Newcastle launched a mission aimed at positively impacting the lives of a 1000 individuals.
In support of this, Mediclinic Newcastle created its Winter Blanket Drive campaign, whereby the medical facility, together with its doctors and staff, aimed to collect 1,000 blankets to commemorate Mandela Day on 18 July 2024.
“To Mediclinic Newcastle, the community which the hospital finds itself in, has always been and will remain the most important reason why we do what we do. It was with this in mind that Mediclinic Newcastle launched a blanket drive as part of our participation in this year’s Mandela Day, celebrating the principles that Madiba instilled in us as members of the rainbow nation,” stated Japie Greyling, Mediclinic Newcastle’s Hospital General Manager.
Moreover, as per Greyling, the Winter Blanket Drive was launched on 1 July 2024 and was the brainchild of Lydia Theron, the acting Client Experience Manager at the time. While the drive saw the Mediclinic Newcastle team unite to warm the lives of others, an invitation was also issued to the community, including schools and businesses, to donate blankets for the campaign.
Getting behind the Mediclinic Newcastle initiative, Newcastillian News proudly sponsored an In-Article advertising campaign inviting businesses and the community to support the private hospital’s love-filled campaign.
“Holding a long standing relationship with the awesome team at Mediclinic Newcastle, getting behind this project was a given. I don’t think many realise how much the private hospital does for the community and this is just another great example,” declared Calvin Swemmer, the Sales and Editorial Director at Newcastillian News.
Speaking about the donations received and the response to the blanket drive, Greyling stated, “We are very thankful and proud of all the members of our community, especially the Newcastle business community, as well as staff, doctors and service providers who donated towards this worthy cause.”
Furthermore, one of the businesses that supported the campaign was Evotel, which donated 100 blankets to keep individuals warm during the chilly season.
Discussing the company’s involvement, Mathew Mpete of Evotel explained that the company is genuinely committed to uplifting the communities in which it operates. “We are aware that there are people who unfortunately cannot even afford something as simple as a blanket, and Evotel believes that through initiatives such as the one run by Mediclinic Newcastle, we can help keep these people warm,” noted Mpete.
Following the drive to collect 1,000 blankets, Doctor Relationship Manager Mathys Bornman and newly appointed Client Experience Manager Cebisile Kubeka delivered the blankets to Gift of the Givers’ local warehouse in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday, 25 July 2024.
“These blankets will form part of current Gift of the Givers initiatives and will be donated to local members of the NKZN community who are in need,” noted Greyling.
In delivering numerous blankets to Gift of the Givers as part of its Winter Blanket Drive, Mediclinic Newcastle truly embodied Mandela’s legacy by reaching out to the less fortunate. This act of kindness not only provides essential warmth during the cold season but also demonstrates a profound commitment to compassion, community support, and social responsibility, mirroring the core values that Madiba championed throughout his life.
With the above in mind, what are your thoughts on this and how did you support Mandela Day? Be sure to leave your comments in the section below.
