This past week, the atmosphere at Ford Silverton Assembly Plant and Struandale Engine Plant was electric with music, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose as employees gathered for our annual Build-a-Bear campaign in celebration of Mandela Month. In true Ford spirit, team members turned out in overwhelming numbers, stepping away from their desks and workstations to dedicate their time to a deeply meaningful cause in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.
Together, the Silverton and Struandale team hand-stuffed and lovingly assembled over 300 teddy bears, each destined to bring warmth, security, and a smile to a brave young patient at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.
Beyond the lively music and buzzing energy in the space, the most poignant moment of the day came when employees were invited to place a plush red heart into each bear before stitching it closed.
Participants were encouraged to pause and be intentional during this sacred moment, to hold the small heart, make a wish and project love, courage and healing into it. For every employee, knowing that these bears would be held tight by children undergoing medical treatment transformed a fun activity into an act of deep compassion.
Nelson Mandela once famously said, "There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children."
By supporting the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the patients at the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital, Ford South Africa continues to honour Madiba's legacy through actionable Ubuntu. The bears will serve as constant companions and sources of comfort for young patients navigating difficult hospital stays.
To every Ford South Africa employee who took time out of their busy schedule to join us, bring your energy, and put your heart into this initiative: Thank you!
Your generosity, enthusiasm, and warmth represent the best of Ford. Thank you for stepping up to ensure that a child facing a tough time feels remembered, cared for and comforted.
