Springs seniors honour Mandela with biscuits for local children
The outreach, part of their 67 minutes of service, took place at the Geduld Methodist Church on Monday, where they were warmly welcomed by Pastor Jonathan Coates.
Club manager Pauline Houghton said the club wanted to honour Mandela's legacy during Mandela Month by doing something meaningful for the community.
'As an NPO, it's part of our mission to give back,' said Houghton. 'The church already provides food for the children, but not sweet treats. So we decided to make it special by baking biscuits.'
She added that the club consulted with Pastor Coates to ask what was needed most. 'He suggested we do something for the children who come to the church regularly.'
Thirty volunteers from the senior centre pitched in to bake and pack the biscuits, using funds raised by the club.
'Outreaches like this help raise the visibility of the senior centre.
'There are many people in Springs who are struggling. Right now, we're focusing on helping the children, but later this year, we also hope to support the soup kitchen,' said Houghton.
After receiving their biscuits, the children were also given toys that had been donated to the church. Pastor Coates expressed his gratitude to the senior club for their thoughtful gesture.
'Moments like this help children feel seen and appreciated,' he said. 'Nelson Mandela's first love was children, and we must continue with that passion.'
He added that Mandela Day should serve as a reminder to act with kindness throughout the year, not just on July 18.
'Mandela Day is about remembering Madiba's values and practising them in our communities. It's about doing something small that someone will always remember.'
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