Let’s share “Jars of Hope” for Mandela Day!

Every year Scouts around the country honour our late Patron Nelson Mandela by giving at least 67 minutes of their time for Mandela Day, on the 18th of July. This year, given the lockdown and social distancing precautions in place, we would like to challenge our members to take up the Jar of Hope Challenge and help feed families in need.

COVID-19 has had a direct impact on the lives of many. The cold winter weather adds to their strife, both physically and mentally. Being given a jar of soup ingredients that can provide a warm meal for four people could offer some solace and hope, and might even bring a smile to their faces.

So, let’s see how many litres of soup we can make as a Scouting family, whilst adhering to the lockdown regulations!

The challenge is simple:

  1. Recycle your glass jars, yoghurt tubs or containers. If you don’t have jars or containers, you could make a “meal in a bag” by using re-usable zip lock bags or (lined) paper bags. Please avoid single-use plastic.
  2. Add the soup mix to the containers. There are many different recipes possible. Please find an example below. When using a different recipe please keep potential food requirements / allergies in mind.
  3. Add your Scout Group name and print these Scout branded instruction labels:
    Instruction labels Jar of hope _editable; jar_of_hope_label_w_ingredients_editable; bag_of_hope_label_w_ingredients_editable; bag_of_hope_label_editable.pdf; Labels jar of hope_Ingredients
  4. These Jars of Hope can be made once-off on Mandela Day for 67 minutes or you can set a target for your Den, Pack, Troop, Crew or Group and make and share them throughout the winter months. A fun idea is to make a virtual event out of it and make them “together from home”!
  5. Individuals / families that complete jars/containers can hand them out to people in need or get in touch with local community organisations, shelters or feeding schemes to arrange delivery.
    Scout Groups that plan to collect the jars/containers in order to pass them on to local organisations need to take safety precautions into account. Find a best practice shared by the KZN Highway District here.

How to make the Jars of Hope?

What you need:

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 soup mix
  • 1 cup lentils
  • 1 unwrapped stock cube
  • 1 packet soup powder
  • A large jar or container

Instructions:

  • Measure your ingredients
  • Place the ingredients in layers in the jars
  • Unwrap your stock cube and place it on top
  • Seal your jar/container/tub/bag
  • Attach the cooking instruction label. Optional: add the label with ingredients.

If possible, share your stories:

  • Let us know how many jars/tubs/bags your Group made by commenting on the ‘Mandela Day Challenge’ post on the National SSA Facebook page. (will add the link)
  • Share your stories and photos with Natasha at pr@scouts.org.za so we can continue to support and inspire each other. Let’s honour our late Patron Nelson Mandela and support our community members in need.

With acknowledgement to Meerkat Ambassador Sherley Southworth, 1st Hillcrest Scout Group, 1st Pine Town Scout Group, 1st Waterfall Scout Group, 1st Durbanville/Kraaifontein Scout Group and the Western Cape Scout Region.  Labels by Craig Finnan.