Local residents have a chance to pay their respects to the late South African leader Nelson Mandela.
The YMCA of Northern B.C. is joining branches Canadawide in offering a memorial book for Prince George residents to sign in Mandela's honour until Wednesday at the 2020 Massey Dr. location.
The book will be forwarded to YMCA Canada, who will present all collected books to the Mandela family through the Canadian Friends of Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.
"Our mission is very much aligned with Mr. Mandela's moral leadership and vision with our focus on caring and nurturing of children and youth, as well as our shared values of peaceful co-existence, mutual respect and understanding of all people," sad Bahadur Madhani, chair of the national board and former chair of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (Canada).
"As centres of community across Canada, we are a natural place where people can connect at this time of profound loss to pay tribute and celebrate the life of a true hero."
The YMCA's relationship with Mandela began when he was a young boxer, regularly working out at the Soweto YMCA. The connection continued with the link to the YMCAs in Africa, including the South African YMCA's partnership with the YMCA of Niagara.
