Charities can help Scots free themselves, free others and serve every day by carrying out voluntary work in memory of Nelson Mandela

Scottish charities are being urged to support a call to action to celebrate the first Nelson Mandela day since the death of South Africa’s first democratically elected president last December.

The coordinators of the celebration, which is held every year on his birthday on 18 July, are hoping this year will be the most significant Nelson Mandela Day in Scotland yet.

By providing opportunities to get involved in voluntary action, the third sector can play an important role in supporting the objective of Mandela Day

People are being urged to give 67 minutes of their time to a good cause to mark the 67 years that Mandela fought for social justice.

Charities, community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations of all sizes are being asked to create volunteering opportunities for the event to help ensure as many Scots as possible can get involved.

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is helping co-ordinate the day alongside Action for Southern Africa, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life and the Scottish Government. Paul White, its director of networks, said: “By providing opportunities to get involved in voluntary action, the third sector can play an important role in supporting the objective of Mandela Day – inspiring individuals to take action to help change the world for the better, building a global movement for good and empowering communities everywhere.”

Volunteering opportunities will be launched in Volunteers Week, which runs between 1-7 June and promoted through the Volunteer Scotland website as well as local channels offered by third sector support bodies.

To get involved email [email protected].