Local provides school shoes to children in need
“The fact that I knew there were still so many children in need of shoes made me reach out to the community for assistance.”
Luciano Volmink (22) saw the need for school shoes in the community when the SPAR Group introduced their school shoe campaign in 2020.
Volmink’s thoughts immediately went to those children who were in need of a decent pair of school shoes.
“I saw the daily struggle some parents find themselves in,” Volmink said.
“Especially those who were affected by poverty and the challenges and struggles due to Covid-19.”
SPAR Group partnered with the leading school shoe brand, Bata, in 2020 to bring that ‘new-school-shoes feeling’ to more than half a million children across South Africa. While stocks lasted, customers could buy a pair of Bata school shoes for only R40 if they spent R500 or more at SPAR.
“At first, it was a very small effort on my part,” Volmink continued.
“But then I saw the reality and the greater need when so many parents reached out to me for school shoes. This touched my heart and made me restless, knowing I did not have enough for everyone.”
Volmink started his mission to help at the Angelo Mall SPAR, but they had already donated all their leftover shoes to schools by the end of the campaign.
He then approached the Ferryvale SPAR, since they still had school shoes available. There, Volmink was told the shoes were sold at R80 a pair. After a discussion with the manager, the manager offered him the school shoes at a discounted price of R69 per pair.
“I still had 10 slips from Angelo Mall SPAR and had a budget of R400,” Volmink added.
“I decided to use that to buy a set of school uniforms for twins who were in dire need. I noticed them with my first outreach.
“The fact that I knew there were still so many children in need of shoes made me reach out to the community for assistance.”
According to Volmink, the initiative is going very well.
After he reached out to the community for help with his initiative, he felt overwhelmed by the amount of support from the community.
He has been able to give shoes to 10 children and hopes to help more. His aim is to visit more schools, depending on the donations he receives.
“I have 34 pairs of shoes and have promises for more donations for later,” Volmink concluded.
For more information about the initiative or how to donate to the cause, contact Volmink on 064 282 0523.
