Menlyn Maine Central Square, in partnership with 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, The Scoin Shop, Embassy Direct, and Mini Menlyn, has launched the Gallery of Giving to celebrate Mandela Month this July.
On Thursday, 9 July, the official opening of the Gallery of Giving took place on the Piazza at Menlyn Maine. Sponsors, partners, and members of the diplomatic community gathered to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine and hear remarks from Brendan Grealy, Head of the Executive Committee of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.
“At 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, our motto is ‘Every day is a Mandela Day’ — events like the Gallery of Giving support this philosophy and encourage us all to keep doing our bit,” Grealy shared.
Mandela Day, observed on 18 July, inspires South Africans to reflect on Nelson Mandela’s legacy and take meaningful action.
“July is a month to honour Madiba’s courage and compassion,” said Natasha Koning, Centre Manager of Menlyn Maine Central Square.
Hosted at Central Square, the Gallery of Giving features handmade blankets crafted by 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day volunteers, alongside more than thirty Mandela-inspired artworks from a private collection.
“The Gallery of Giving combines fine art and the outstanding handicraft skills of our amazing volunteers,” added Grealy.
Mini Menlyn played a key role in supporting the initiative with a generous wool donation, enabling even more blankets to be created.
“We jumped at the chance to support the Gallery of Giving and hope that the specially branded Mini will encourage patrons to get behind the call for wool donations,” said Richard Nwamba, Dealer Principal at Mini Menlyn.
“It’s all about supporting the ongoing efforts of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.”
“The Gallery of Giving is about weaving generosity into the fabric of our community,” said Rael Demby, CEO of The Scoin Shop.
“We’ve been linked to 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day since it started in 2014. Carolyn Steyn invited us to get involved, and we’ve proudly stood behind this wonderful initiative ever since.”
This year, the public is invited to visit the Gallery of Giving and be part of the difference. The exhibition officially opens to the public on Friday, 4 July, and will run until 31 July at Menlyn Maine Central Square.
by Marion Kate
