Nelson Mandela had a special place in his heart for children. So what better way could there be of continuing his legacy than by making a difference to our children's lives this July?

At the Johannesburg Children's Home, we care for 64 children of all races – ranging in age from 3 to 18 years old. The children live together in 'family' cottages, which are in need of a bit of TLC!

We're looking for volunteers to clean the cottages, as well as paint the inside walls. Please bring your own buckets, cleaning materials and cloths, paint brushes, rollers and paint trays, as well as suitable paint (kindly check colour/type with us first).

Outside, we'd appreciate help in the garden ... clearing of grassed area, soil preparation, planting of succulents and seedlings (bring gardening gloves, spades and forks), while our charity shop needs a coat of paint on the outside, and willing hands to sort donations.

For more information or to discuss how you or your team would like to get involved, contact Fiona Duke by emailing pr@jch.org.za.

If you're short of time, perhaps you'd consider popping in with a contribution of food, toiletries, cleaning materials or items for our medicine cabinet? Please download our Wish List and see if there's something that you could provide for a child in need.

And if you can't give any of these items, please consider making a cash donation towards them - so we can buy them on your behalf, or put towards bus fares and school outings.

Better still, why not make every day a Mandela Day, by giving R67 every month by debit order?

Because every child deserves to grow up knowing he or she is loved and special. And that's what your gift says. Together we can build happy, successful young members of our Rainbow Nation.