A PAIR of shoes may not seem like a big deal, but to children living in disadvantaged communities around KZN, they are a powerful tool in helping create opportunities for a better future. It means a safer walk to school, protecting children’s feet from cuts, infections and diseases and giving children a sense of dignity. One local NGO is hoping to change all of that as they gear up to celebrate the annual ‘One Day without Shoes’ campaign.
With an estimated seven million children living without shoes around the country, Grace Aid is attempting to break that cycle in two ways. The first by entering the Guinness World Record for the biggest number of barefoot runners in a 100m race and by asking competitors to donate new pairs of shoes for charity.
Grace Aid director, Dave Richter, said the annual celebration was about raising awareness as well as giving back to the community. “When I was a young kid, there was nothing more exciting than receiving a brand new pair of sneakers or school shoes. Even the smell of new shoes is something to get excited about. We may not realise it at first but new shoes go a long way in raising our self esteem and making us feel good about the way we look.
“Some children never get to lace up a new pair of shoes simply because they have none. We constantly hear stories of children who cannot go to school because they have no shoes to wear or children who wear poorly fitting hand me downs,” he said.
Richter urged residents to register for the 100m Barefoot World Record Challenge and make a difference. “Every sole counts. We need a 1 000 runners to break the world record and I’m confident we can reach that number,” he said. Each runner must be barefoot and will be fitted with an ankle chip to verify numbers. Visit www.graceaid.org for maps and event details.
Race deets
The race takes place on Saturday 5 April at the Kings Park outer fields. Registration is at 9am with the race commencing at 10am. Entrance to the race is free, Grace Aid are just asking that people donate a new pair of children’s shoes if they’d like. The shoes will be distributed to projects who serve disadvantaged children.
Actor, comedian and Durban North resident Aaron McIlroy will be hosting and running barefoot. There’ll be a festive vibe with live music and a post-race picnic. All are welcome, so bring your friends and take off your shoes to change the road ahead for our kids.
