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Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesLocal Nonprofits Unveil Nelson Mandela Tribute

Local Nonprofits Unveil Nelson Mandela Tribute

In celebration of International Nelson Mandela Day, the Sunrise Leadership Foundation, My Brother’s Workshop and the Environmental Association of St. Thomas-St. John unveiled their Nelson Mandela sign meant to mark the site of last year’s tree planting and give the local community a lasting reminder of Mandela’s life.

A year ago the three nonprofits partnered for Mandela Day and planted an African Tulip tree at the corner of Skyline Drive and Lemon Tree Road. The tree planting was in accordance with Mandela’s mandate to plant trees in local communities. Now, on the first Mandela Day since Mandela’s death, the organizations have returned to mark the site with a Nelson Mandela tribute sign.

“Mandela had a great impact on our generation,” said Jason Budsan, president of EAST. “We need to really pay attention to the message he has left behind.”

It would seem like the three nonprofits have taken Mandela’s message to heart.

The Sunrise Leadership Foundation “works with high school and college age students to develop their passions,” said Griffin McFarlane, founder of SLF. “We advocate on their behalf in their community and abroad for opportunities that would put their passions and interests into play,” he said.

My Brother’s Workshop works with impoverished youth who have dropped out of school and may have been involved with gang activity or have a criminal record.

EAST is a nonprofit volunteer-based program that focuses on education, awareness and advocacy for the environment.

Nicole Francis, SLF coordinator, said the tree planting and tribute sign combined honoring a great man with an appreciation for the environment. “The plant isn’t from here but I think it is going to flourish into something beautiful,” she said.

McFarlane expressed relief that the tree was left intact over the year. The young tree was a little wilted but otherwise looked healthy. “You should have seen it a few months ago,” McFarlane said. “It looked great.”

Pickaxes, drills and shovels were shared among the seven people present for the project, two members from EAST, four from SLF, and Skip Andrew, a local that came out to help at the last minute.

As Francis and SLF student-member Khelsea Al-Arefi worked on drilling the golden sign to its wooden post, the others dug a big hole to support the sign and two smaller ones for flowers.

The digging was hard work and the dirt wasn’t very compliant but the group was in good spirits. As the sun set they finished up their work.

“What makes today so wonderful is that it brings so many different people together to celebrate not just Mandela’s life, but our life here,” said McFarlane. “The planting of this tree and all the work and faith that’s gone into it reflects that appreciation for life.”

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