Ladles of Love fills stadium on Mandela Day with unity, art, and compassion

The Cape Town Stadium was the place to be on Mandela Day, as Ladles of Love hosted its biggest celebration of compassion and service yet. In a powerful show of unity, the non-profit held simultaneous events at the stadium and at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg.

These gatherings went beyond simply ticking off community service hours. They were vibrant celebrations of purpose and compassion, bringing together scholars, families, and community members for hands-on activities that nourished  preschool children and fought child food poverty.

Danny Diliberto, founder of Ladles of Love, smiled from ear to ear as scores of people from all ages, genders, and races walked into the stadium, full of excitement.

“I remember our first Mandela Day. I had a vision to feed 600 people, now we are hosting a Mandela Day event in a stadium!

“Operating from a place of kindness, and giving just because you can, man ... that feeling, and the smiles and hugs, you cannot describe it. When you see everyone together there is no race, no gender, no religion, no age, and they are all coming together to do good.”

This year, the NPO partnered with acclaimed Australian street artist Hans Bruechle also known as Handbrake to deliver an inspiring and interactive art installation.

Bruechle, who could be seen bouncing around with such joyful energy, said: “The overwhelming positivity, wow, the millions of smiles coming in here, there is an energy here that I didnt experience in Australia.

“Every country should experience Mandela Day in their own way! Just do a little bit more for someone else, you’ll be astounded by the difference it can make.”

DHL Stadium CEO Gina Woodburn said: “For us, if we have a few days open and we can make the stadium available for initiative like this, then it’s amazing. The setting makes a perfect environment for an event of this nature.

“It also lets people see a different side of the stadium, parts that are generally used for sports teams.

“I also think it’s fantastic to see the stadium light up like this, with people and the youth willing to offer up their time to give support and hope to the many communities.”

Beneficiary Bulelwa Vangqa, principal of Delft Kids Ministry Educare, was overwhelmed with emotion: “This time around it’s all about children. Especially in our country where our kids' rights are being neglected, children are in need in our communities, we are fighting that kids need to be in school, for a cooked meal, it motivates them to come to school, that is why we appreciate what Ladles of Love are doing.

“I believe that a child cannot learn with an empty stomach and to see that there are so many people who are coming out to make sure they are fed, it’s like witnessing something out of another dimension. Right now, we are seeing the Bible in action. May God continue to pour out the blessings on Danny and his team.”

Volunteer Mary Ebako, 17, Cape Town, said: “I feel like I am doing something right, giving back to the community is always my family's motto. The things we do, I've been taught this my entire life. I feel happy to be volunteering.”

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

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