Madiba would have been smiling if he could’ve seen the love and support shown for South Africa’s children at the Nashua Children’s Charity Foundation (NCCF) party held in honour of Mandela Day on 18 July at the Nashua Limited building in Johannesburg.

Well attended by over 300 celebrities, charity guests, and Nashua employees, the 67-minute party incorporated 12 of the charities that the NCCF assists, and included 72 children and their caregivers. The big and little guests delighted in a celebration that culminated with the cutting of a giant cake, and the singing of our national anthem.

Nashua staff and sponsors, which included Pick ‘n Pay, Dischem, Plasticland and Makro Woodmead, as well as Waverley Synagogue Congregation, Glenoaks Lions Club, and Melissa Prisman and friends, ensured that the day ended with a bang as goods in excess of R100 000 were given to the respective caregivers to take back to their charities. Stuttafords together with Gap International dressed every child in a Gap t-shirt and cap, and presented them with a goody bag.

“The big hearts and the selfless giving today are beyond comprehension,” said NCCF director, Helen Fraser. “The charities that we have selected to benefit this year all run outreach programs that assist needy children – in the name of our great Tata, we have been able to help 4 000 children today.” A host of celebrities were in attendance to pay tribute to Mandela’s legacy, including former Bafana Bafana goal keeper Andre Arendse and defender Mark Fish, heavy weight boxing champ Flo Simba, Survivor 2014’s Shane Hatttingh, broadcast personality Helen Desbois, and former Miss Teen and current Selimathunzi presenter Zizo Beda. Adding their touch of glamour to the event were reigning Miss SA – Rolene Strauss, two former Miss SAs – Kerishnie Naiker and Bernelee Daniell, Miss Earth SA – Victoria Kitley, and Miss Earth finalists – Degrecia Zwane and Jennifer Williamson.

“Stuttafords and Gap SA believe that all South Africans needs to keep Mandela’s legacy alive by practising the gift of giving as he was a giver of so many things,” said Gap marketing, Derik van Wyk. “These kids are our future and they need to be looked after and given a sense of pride to become future leaders. It is a pleasure to have been part of this Nashua cause, as this is the start of building a stronger foundation for these young South Africans.”

Nelson Mandela once said: “History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children.” Judging by what was accomplished today by the NCCF, its generous sponsors and Nashua staff for some of South Africa’s indigent children – today was a good day for all involved.

Please visit the Nashua Facebook page to see more photos from the day.