Donate sneakers and make a change
MABONENG – Sibusiso Calvin Zulu, a young aspiring social entrepreneur from Troyeville, will host a Sneaker4Change event in Maboneng on 31 May and here’s why everyone ought to be there...
“I started the initiative with my business partners from Odd Generation. I was inspired by the fast-growing sneaker culture worldwide and in South Africa and I want to promote the sneaker culture and also educate and introduce the culture to my community by showcasing the opportunities in the industry,” Zulu said.
Odd Generation and Maboneng Artist Collective have collaborated on the latest event for Sneaker4Change S.A and although the first event that was held last year was small, they still managed to collect 20 sneakers. An event is held every six months.
“This year’s event is promising to be bigger and better,” Zulu insisted. Everyone that attends the event is asked to donate a single pair of sneakers. These will then be handed over to the Twilight Children’s Home in Hillbrow.
The Twilight Children’s Home is aimed at improving the quality of life for the children living on the street in Hillbrow. They have various programmes to help house, feed and educate homeless children in the area between the ages of 8 and 18.
“The event also aims to give young artists, and fashion and sneaker designers the platform to market themselves and showcase their crafts as artist and young entrepreneurs,” he added.
This year’s Sneaker4Change event will host a number of performances from local poets, live bands and rappers like Dee, who also comes from Troyeville and is currently working on an EP titled #CensoredX which is due to be released in June.
There will also be a sneaker exhibition showcasing designs from Sifiso from Eish Hade, Tk$wiss, Lokal Way, and a fashion exhibition that complements sneakers with local brands and designers like vintage#iam, F.B.N and Blind mouse showing off their stuff.
“We hope that after the event people will be more aware of the sneaker and street culture and the opportunities that the industry has,” Zulu added.
Sneaker4Change will host the event on 31 May at the Maboneng Precinct from 1pm until late. Entrance is free but people are encouraged to bring a pair of sneakers that are in good condition to donate towards the cause.
Details: 071 043 9288.
Will you donate a pair of sneakers? Comment below, and let City Buzz know.
