When Is Volunteering Day and What Is Mandela Day All About?
Volunteering is more than just giving your time, it’s about making a meaningful impact in your community, connecting with others, and standing up for causes that matter. Around the world, there are special days dedicated to celebrating and encouraging the spirit of volunteerism. Two of the most important dates to mark on your calendar are International Volunteer Day and Mandela Day in South Africa.
Let’s take a closer look at when these days happen, why they matter, and how you can get involved.
🌍 International Volunteer Day – 5 December
When: Every year on 5 December
Where: Celebrated globally
Who started it: The United Nations, in 1985
What is it?
International Volunteer Day (IVD) is a worldwide celebration of the power and impact of volunteerism. It’s a day to honour the people who give their time, energy, and skills to help others, whether through local community service, global humanitarian work, or grassroots activism.
Organisations and individuals across the globe use this day to:
- Celebrate volunteers
- Highlight success stories
- Promote the value of giving back
- Inspire more people to take action
How to get involved:
- Join a volunteering event through Volunteer Now
- Share your volunteer story on social media using #VolunteerNow and #IVD
- Encourage friends, family, or your school or workplace to volunteer with you
🇿🇦 Mandela Day – 18 July
When: Every year on 18 July (Nelson Mandela’s birthday)
Where: South Africa and around the world
Who started it: The Nelson Mandela Foundation, officially recognised by the UN in 2009
What is it?
Mandela Day is a uniquely South African call to action inspired by the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, one of the most beloved leaders of our time. The idea behind Mandela Day is simple but powerful:
“Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better.”
The tradition asks people to give 67 minutes of their time to make a difference. Why 67? Because Nelson Mandela dedicated 67 years of his life to fighting for human rights, freedom, and social justice.
How to get involved:
- Spend 67 minutes volunteering at a school, shelter, old age home, or community garden
- Organise a donation drive for food, clothing, or sanitary products
- Join a Volunteer Now Mandela Day event in your area
- Get your school, workplace, or club involved in a group activity
🧭 Why These Days Matter
Both International Volunteer Day and Mandela Day remind us that our actions—no matter how small, can have a ripple effect. These days:
- Raise awareness about important causes
- Recognize the contributions of volunteers
- Mobilise communities to take action
- Show that everyone can be a change-maker
📌 Save the Dates!
🗓 Mandela Day – 18 July
🗓 International Volunteer Day – 5 December
Whether you’re new to volunteering or a long-time change-maker, these days are the perfect opportunity to join others across the globe in doing something good.
🌟 Final Thought
Volunteering doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. It starts with a decision to show up, speak up, and help out. So, mark your calendar, rally your friends, and make a difference on Mandela Day, on International Volunteer Day, and every day in between.
Volunteer Now. Because Change Starts with You.