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Providence Swedish Nelson Mandela Food Drive
July 1, 2022 - July 17, 2022
First ever Providence Swedish Summer Food Drive In Honor of Nelson Mandela International Day July 1-17
“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to helping others without expecting anything in return.”
Nelson Mandela was a man who brought light into this world that was so strong, so bright, that it has forever left its mark. Much like a star in our sky, his light and his memory will shine down on us for generations to come.
Nelson Mandela was born in 1918. From early in his life, Mandela fought tirelessly as an Anti-Apartheid activist and lawyer who fought against racist laws and actions. Mandela’s activism made him a target of local authorities and he frequently found himself incarcerated. Mandela spend 27 years in prison, and when freed, went on to become the first Black president of South Africa in 1994. His negotiations in the early 1990s with South African President F.W. de Klerk helped end the country’s Apartheid system of racial segregation and ushered in a peaceful transition to majority rule. Mandela and de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for their efforts. In 1995, he established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which investigated human rights violations under Apartheid, and he introduced housing, education, and economic development initiatives designed to improve the living standards of the country’s Black population.
Mandela Day, observed on Mandela’s birthday, July 18, was created to honor his legacy by promoting community service around the world. In honor of this legacy, Providence Swedish North Puget Sound will run a food drive from July 1 through July 17. On July 18, all non-perishable food items collected will be donated to the Snohomish County Food Bank. There will be donation boxes next to the DEI tables at the Providence Colby, Pacific, Mill Creek, and Monroe campuses. According to the Snohomish County Food Bank, there is a large need for diapers and baby wipes. Other high-need items are listed below. We ask you to please participate if able and help us give back to our wonderful community members!
If you have any questions about this food drive, please reach out to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Lead Brooke Chhina at [email protected].