Of all the images associated with Christmas, the one that springs most readily to mind is that of children. It is a time of child-like wonder and excitement, of a season filled with surprises and enjoyment.
Children are the focus of the foundation, and over the past six years they have filled the lives of about 2 200 children with the same thrill that many people associate with Christmas.
Most of the children who participate live with serious illnesses such as various cancers and HIV/Aids, or are forced to endure the challenges of intellectual or physical disabilities.
For each one of them, attending one of the 44 camps throughout the year at no cost, has been a dream come true.
This year, Just Footprints hosted various groups of children from those living with cancer and cancer-related illnesses through co-operation with Choc Childhood Cancer Foundation and Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, to pupils from Forest Town School, as well as children living on the streets who attend the Fight with Insight programme in Parktown, and the Three2Six refugee children based at Sacred Heart College.
A Just Footprints Camp is an experience that gives children the enchantment of childhood back, something their circumstances have robbed them of.
The foundation’s biggest project is the establishment of their own dedicated campsite, which will be the first completely wheelchair accommodated campsite in South Africa.
It intends to also include a medical centre with trained staff to care for any needs that may arise during the camps, and it aims to gain a Five Green Star rating from the Green Council of South Africa.
Having their own campsite will enable the foundation to extend their offering to thousands more children in need.
Details: E-mail Leoné Jooste at leone.jooste@justfootprintsfoundtion.org.za
