POLOKWANE – This initiative is the brainchild of Sello Jimmy Matsena and his wife Pulane, who were born and bred at Reinland village.
Although they are currently based in Westenburg, they have not forgotten their roots and the importance of giving back to their community.
The inaugural family day was held on 27 December last year at Reinland Madikana Primary School, which is the same venue for this year’s family day.
“The idea to have a family day in Reinland came about after realising that people easily give to initiatives and do very little for the community that they grew up in. We saw the need and decided to act on it. Last year, the family day was aimed at collecting sanitary towels, and this year we are collecting school shoes because children have been identified who walk long distances to school without shoes,” he said.
They request the support from the community and businesses as they aim to collect 100 pairs of school shoes which will be shared among learners in four schools in the Reinland and surrounding areas.
“Our appeal is for people to assist us in collecting shoes for the needy. We are not asking for money, we are requesting for shoes that are still in wearable condition, that a child can use for time to come. We are promoting the spirit of helping the less fortunate without expectation of receiving something back,” said Matsena, the brains behind the initiative.
The day will not just be about the collection of school shoes for needy children but also to encourage healthy living habits within the community through activities like aerobics and soccer.
It is also aimed at bringing the community together and creating cohesion.
On the day, there will be testing stations for HIV/aids, cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and other primary health care service that will be beneficial to the community. Other fun activities will be a kiddies corner with face painting, jumping castle and other fun activities for kids, there will be fun activities for the older people like tug of war, sack race and egg race.
The sport fanatics can enjoy street soccer and a mass aerobics session. The senior citizens will have their corner where there will be motivation. To make a donation contact Sello Jimmy Matsena on 065 861 9309 or 076 380 4843.
