South African Airways (SAA), the flagship carrier of South Africa, commemorated Nelson Mandela International Day with its employees at the North America Regional Office in Fort Lauderdale participating in an outreach program by collecting donations to support the Nancy J. Cotterman Center of Broward County, Florida. The Nancy J. Cotterman Center improves and enhances the quality of life for victims of sexual assault and child abuse by providing assistance, professional counseling and community services. SAA employees donated dozens of much needed supplies including; food items, clothing, linens, toiletries, coloring books, crayons, and children’s toys.
In November 2009, the United Nations officially declared July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day, recognizing Mandela’s life, legacy, values and dedication to the service of humanity. To honor this special day, SAA employees, on a global basis, organize a variety of charitable activities to live up to Mandela’s call of making a positive impact in the lives of the less fortunate throughout the world.
“It is very heartening to see the overwhelming display of compassion and contributions by the dedicated SAA employees in our North America Regional Office to support and recognize the importance of commemorating Nelson Mandela International Day. The donations to the Nancy J. Cotterman Center will go a long way in helping members of our community who have been affected by unspeakable hardships,” said Todd Neuman, executive vice president, North America for South African Airways. “As the national airline of South Africa, it is our responsibility to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s heritage in a positive way that will bring enduring change.”
South African Airways encourages everyone to devote 67 minutes of their time- one minute for every year of Nelson Mandela’s public service- to make a gesture towards the greater good on this special day.
