Linden Police Station gives back

Representatives of selected organisations gathered at Linden Police Station on 1 December to collect donated shoeboxes as part of as part of the station’s well-known charity initiative, the Shoe Box Project.

Captain Sandra Veeran and Warrant Officer Tania Vermeulen filled the shoeboxes, after collecting items from various organisations and individuals in the community. They established the project three years ago and collect items throughout the year.

Veeran said that they had a good response and they managed to donate the shoeboxes to everyone they had intended to donate to.

They hope next year the community will be aware of the initiative and become more involved. “We want to create more awareness by putting donation boxes in public places and at the police station. We also plan to also start a sanitary towel project, raise awareness about child abuse, sexual assault and bullying by travelling to schools and getting more involved in places in our community. Financial assistance from the community will also be helpful and we aim to build a long-term relationship with businesses,” said Veeran.

She added that she is grateful to everyone who assisted them and made their project a success. It was a group effort by the station, businesses, residents and churches.

King’s School Robin Hills’ deputy head girl, Natasha Booysen said that she heard about the Shoe Box Project from her teacher and decided to get involved with the deputy head boy. They are also the heads of community service at their school and are passionate about helping the community.

“We had the programme run within our school and asked other learners to participate in donating items. In total, we donated 36 shoe boxes. It is important to help the less fortunate because we have been given the opportunity to create change,” said Booysen.

Details: Linden Police Station 011 888 9232/36.

Related articles: Community works together