Sole2Sole reaches grand total of 30 000 pairs of shoes
Over the past two years, Sole2Sole has donated shoes to well over 100 places of need.
DAIRO Gouveia (12), who lives in Meyersdal and attends Marist Brothers Linmeyer, began Sole2Sole two years and three months ago and with the help of his mom Zita, dad Mario, sister Liana, granny Salome, family, friends and all those who have donated footwear, the unbelievable grand total of 30 000 pairs has been reached.
The CHRONICLE asked Dario how he felt about this. “I never ever thought we’d get to this amount. I’m so thrilled. I can’t think that from one pair of shoes given to one small boy begging in the street, we’ve managed to collect and distribute to so many people.”
Over the past two years, Sole2Sole has donated shoes to well over 100 places of need. “Our shoes have no colour,” said mom Zita, “we give to everyone we can who needs them.”
Project Mozambique
After Cyclone Idai hit Mozambique a few weeks ago and so many people were left homeless with absolutely nothing, Sole2Sole packed 1 100 shoes and dropped them off at Steyn City, in the north of Johannesburg, where lots of other donations of clothing, blankets and shoes were being organised to get to the homeless.
“This is very close to our hearts,” said Zita. “Dario’s grandfather was born and lived in Mozambique, and we really wanted to do something to help.”
You can help
Apart from donating shoes which no longer fit you or you have no need for, you can volunteer your time to assist with sorting out and packing shoes. “Any high school learners who would like to get their community hours in can come and help us. If they can give me a call on 079 501 9517 I can help them,” said Zita.
Sole2Sole thanks all community members and schools who have assisted. “Our drop off points have proved to be highly successful and we have bins at LocoLiq Liquors in Bracken Gardens Shopping Centre, Brackenhurst, Jubilant Boutique, 25 Tulbach Street, Alberton, PNA The Glen Shopping Centre and Café La Plume, 17 Joan Road Glenanda.
“We’d like to challenge all the schools in the South who would like to get involved to please contact us,” Zita said.
Sole2Sole needs lots more shoes now and don’t have too many more in stock. “Winter is fast approaching and we’ll be wanting to give to many more people this year. Our next big drive is for the US delegation on April 6, so we need shoes!” added Zita.
Read:
GALLERY: Sole2sole donates 550 pairs of shoes
Sole2Sole continues great work
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