Mandla's Foundation

05/19/2026

“You are neither too young, nor too small, nor too ordinary. The world needs your light.” 💫

At the Mandla Foundation, we believe every young person has the power to create change, inspire hope, and make a difference in the lives of others.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Shine in your own unique way. The world becomes brighter when people choose kindness, courage, and community. 💙

05/18/2026

05/16/2026

Our new visual identity…

How do unity, growth, and humanity come alive in this design?

What do you see, looking at this new logo?

05/11/2026

A mother’s love has the power to shape generations. 💙

The Mandla Foundation was built on love, hope, and the belief that one life can inspire lasting change. Through Mandla’s legacy, we continue to uplift youth, strengthen communities, and create spaces where compassion and purpose can grow.

Every act of kindness, every young person empowered, and every community supported keeps her light shining brighter. ✨

03/25/2026

Mandla’s Day 2026, celebrated on March 21, was a truly special and emotional moment, centered on the theme of community collaboration. 🩷💛

I had the honour of announcing our new status as a registered charity, unveiling our new look - including our logo and website - and sharing what this milestone means for our donors, partners, and the community we serve.

As it is our yearly tradition, we also donated books on DEI to the Christian school, continuing our commitment to education and inclusion.

We were proud to welcome sister organizations - United4Change, Financial Literacy Services, Fédération des Aînés Franco-Albertains, and Montessori School - who hosted booths and shared the incredible work they are doing.

A powerful panel discussion on community collaboration sparked meaningful conversations, and many future partnerships are already in the works.

The icing on the cake was the inspiring announcement by Funky Banjoko to establish a yearly award supporting young girls locally and internationally. What an honour for my sweet Mandla. 🩷💛🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🩷💛

A deeply personal highlight was the surprise presence of my very first teaching student - now a psychology graduate - who made the trip to attend.
Moments like these remind me how far-reaching impact can be.

I am still heartbroken by the loss of you, Mandla.
But I am equally filled with gratitude - for the love, the unwavering support, and the beautiful ways you are remembered and celebrated.
The work of the foundation in your honour continues to shine your light.

It will always be a great day to be a great person.🩷💛

Forever in my heart. 🤍🩷💛

03/01/2026

Our last Volunteers’ Dinner in Edmonton was a beautiful and heartfelt gathering : A moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible people who continue to carry Mandla’s Foundation forward.

After impactful missions in Fort McMurray, Europe, and Cameroon, it was important to honor the hands and hearts that make every outreach possible.

Although I created this foundation in memory of my late daughter, Mandla, I could never have carried this vision alone. Our volunteers are the strength behind the work: their skills, knowledge, commitment, and dedication are the driving force behind every successful mission.

Each contribution, whether seen or unseen, plays a vital role in changing lives.

This evening was about gratitude. It was about recognizing that every act of service matters. Every hour given. Every resource shared. Every sacrifice made.

I am deeply grateful that I was able to show appreciation in Mandla’s name. I truly believe she is guiding every step, every decision, and every action taken through this foundation.

Mission accomplished, Mandla.
And now I can’t help but wonder… what’s next? I know you’re already preparing the next mission for us. 🩷💛🩷💛

01/20/2026

J’ai eu le grand plaisir d’animer l’atelier Leadership, résilience et bien-être pour le programme Entre-Elles de l’ACFA.

Ce fut un moment riche en échanges, en authenticité et en prises de conscience.

Ensemble, nous avons exploré les talents de leaders que portent ces femmes, leur remarquable capacité de résilience et l’importance essentielle de prendre soin d’elles-mêmes.

En tant que piliers des familles - et par extension de la société - leur bien-être est fondamental.

Un atelier empreint de force, de solidarité et d’inspiration.

Merci à l’ACFA Régionale Wood Buffalo
Merci à Maryse,
Merci Mesdames.

12/31/2025

🩷💛 Celebrating Our Volunteers 💛🩷

This end of the year, Mandla’s Foundation hosted a special thank-you dinner to honor the incredible volunteers who have dedicated their time, energy, and hearts over the past couple of years.

It was an evening filled with delicious food, a warm and joyful ambiance, and the presentation of volunteer certificates as a small token of our deep appreciation.

We were also honored by the presence of Councillor Banjoko, whose support added to the significance of the evening. She received the Mandla’s Foundation Member of Honour certificate.

Thank you to every volunteer who continues to make a lasting difference through Mandla’s Foundation — we couldn’t do this work without you! 🙌✨

Volunteers, you are all truly appreciated 🙌🏾🙏🏾🥰

12/26/2025

Each year, Mandla’s Foundation proudly supports a local charity in honour of Mandla’s memory.

This year, we are grateful to make a donation to the Fort McMurray Autism Society, an organization that provides vital support, advocacy, and resources for individuals with autism and their families in our community.

This annual tradition reflects the values Mandla lived by - kindness, compassion, and giving back.

As we remember Mandla during this holiday season, we are reminded that “it’s a great day to be a great person,” and through this donation, we hope to help make a meaningful difference close to home.