In honour of Mandela Day 2025, the Petco teams in Cape Town and Johannesburg stepped up and spent more than the symbolic 67 minutes volunteering their services for those in need.

In Cape Town, our staff rolled up their sleeves alongside FoodForward SA at a Mandela Day packing event. Together with other volunteers and our members who sponsored the event (Pick n Pay, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa and Tiger Brands), we helped pack essential food items to support vulnerable communities through the winter months.

At Suzzy Day Care in Randburg, Gauteng, our team commemorated Madiba’s legacy by making a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of young South Africans.

As part of their visit, the team donated a learning kit and groceries to the centre, offering practical support to help nourish both minds and bodies. They also spearheaded a cheerful mini clean-up initiative, rallying the children to join in. The young participants enthusiastically picked up litter and learned first-hand about the importance of caring for their environment.

“The children thoroughly enjoyed the activity and even asked to do it again,” says Masentle Tlou, Petco’s stakeholder liaison. “They’ve committed to spreading the message among their peers, teaching others not to throw rubbish on the ground because they understand the value of a clean and healthy environment.”

Beyond the day’s activities, Petco’s commitment to Suzzy Day Care runs deeper. The organisation also contributed a security door and assisted with painting the premises – practical upgrades that will help improve the safety and aesthetics of the space for both children and staff.

“As Petco, we believe in investing in the future – especially in the lives of children who represent the next generation of leaders,” explains Tlou. “Supporting this centre is more than just a contribution to infrastructure; it’s an opportunity to make a lasting, meaningful impact in the community.”

The daycare’s management team responded to the gesture with heartfelt gratitude and emotion. “Many were moved to tears,” says Tlou. “The improvements brought a renewed sense of hope and motivation.”

Despite its suburban location, Suzzy Day Care is often overlooked when seeking assistance. The children it serves come from families of domestic workers, shop assistants, and drivers – individuals who work hard but face real economic challenges. For Petco, recognising and supporting such communities is an extension of their everyday mission.

“At Petco, our work goes beyond empowerment – we’re deeply committed to creating positive change in the lives of others, especially in the communities where we operate,” Tlou adds. “This Mandela Day initiative allowed us to put our values into action through hands-on collaboration and community upliftment.”

The team left Suzzy Day Care with hearts full, having helped light a small spark of dignity, joy, and environmental awareness in the children – a tribute befitting Madiba’s legacy.