The annual Katlehong Athletics Club’s 31km run returned on December 31 and was aimed at collecting school shoes that will be donated to underprivileged learners.

ALSO READ: Elspark United FC searches for talent

More than 200 runners supported the event and the donations will be received by some Katlehong schools.

Any member of the community can still contribute by making a monetary donation or purchasing a pair of school shoes for donation.

“We also request the community to continue reaching out as we are still accepting donations. The handover will be announced soon,” said Hloni Motloung, chairperson of Katlehong Athletics Club.

The club has supported over 500 children with school shoes over four years.

“The club collected school shoes throughout December and this January we received even more school shoes from our runners.

“The running group, Team C16 Gemstone based at Germiston, donated 100 pairs of school shoes. The Katlehong club received 70 pairs of shoes following the successful run on December 31 and Gae Limpopo Challenge received 30 pairs of school shoes.”

The club approaches school principals every January to help in identifying learners who require school shoes.

The donation is made to the schools through the principals who ensure deserving learners benefit from this programme.

Motloung said school shoes are symbolic of pride and confidence to young learners, knowing that they can walk to school in comfort, as opposed to barefoot.