NINE-YEAR-OLD Dario Gouveia, a Grade Four learner at Marist Brothers Linmeyer, who lives in Meyersdal, is collecting shoes to donate to the needy, and in just over two weeks he’s collected 333 pairs.
While driving with his mom, Zita, a few weeks ago, Dario saw a woman begging at a traffic light and with her she had a small child who was kicking stones with bare feet. “I said to my mom ‘how sad is that, he’s going to cut his feet’. I felt so sorry for him,” said Dario.
When they returned home, Dario took out his new school shoes, which his mom had bought for him for school this year. He had, however, outgrown the shoes over the Christmas holiday and so decided what better way of showing he cared than by giving the shoes to someone else!
What transpired was he sent out a message to family and friends and began collecting shoes; children’s, men’s and women’s and he’s been overwhelmed with the amount he’s getting.
“People have been so generous and a few days after he began collecting, he named his project Sole2Sole,” said Zita.
“I won’t turn my nose up at any donation of shoes – except perhaps high heels,” laughed Dario.
Now, as they drive to and from school he hands out a pair of shoes to beggars at traffic lights and stop streets and his mom has taken to carrying a box of shoes in her car boot so they always have a pair handy.
“My goal was to collect 1 000 pairs of shoes but now I want to carry on and keep collecting. Winter is coming and lots of people will need shoes,” he added.
“We are asking for any shoes, preferably in reasonable condition so someone else will benefit from them. Perhaps even de-clutter your wardrobe at the same time and give your old clothing to a charity organisation who can hand it out to those less fortunate,” Zita suggested.
Help Dario achieve his goal and donate shoes to Sole2Sole. His mom is willing to collect and last week even drove to Silver Lakes, Pretoria, to collect over 50 pairs.
“Please phone me on 079 501 9517 or email zgouveia@starpack.co.za if you have shoes for us,” said Zita . Every pair donated will help someone who either hasn’t any shoes or has shoes which are falling apart.
“I can’t stop looking at people’s feet now, especially people begging with children. Through my project I hope to help lots of people,” Dario said.
Also Read:
Marist Brothers Linmeyer golf day
New principal for primary school Marist Brothers Linmeyer
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
