Kingsmead College heeded the call to donate gently-worn running shoes that are still in good condition for the ‘Drop a pair and show you care’ initiative.
The Rosebank Killarney Gazette in association with SPAR, called all community members to donate and the college topped the school charts in donating the most pair of shoes.
The shoes will go to a school based in the greater Joburg north region where many underprivileged children will be given the opportunity and motivation to get and remain fit with the right shoes.
The drive started during the 2015 SPAR Women’s Challenge when Caxton staff noticed that many children from disadvantaged schools in Johannesburg took part in the race barefoot.
The director of service at Kingsmead College, Jenny Venter said it was only a matter of putting the word out there, with the spirit and culture of giving that exists within the school, everyone was keen to get involved. “This linked beautifully with our Goodwill Day Drive that we are currently busy with,” Venter said.
“It is a day in aid of a number of organisations that we support. One of the organisations is Clothes 2 Good, so we asked the community that while they clean out their cupboards for clothes to donate on the day, they should bring their running shoes too.”
Goodwill Day which takes place on 6 October at Kingsmead College, is described by Venter as one of the many community service initiatives in which the college’s learners take part.
“Serving the community is one of our core values it is embedded in our ethos and we offer a significant number of co-curricular service activities.”
Grade 12 learner and head of service for the college, Chantel Maina said involvement in such activities showed people are making an effort, showing empathy and playing their part in making the world a better place.
Since being directly involved in the SPAR Women’s Race, Rosebank Killarney Gazette, as part of its Caxton Cares initiative, along with SPAR decided to run the ‘Drop a pair and show you care’ campaign with the hope of giving back to those in need as well as to supply running shoes to those who wish to join the race.
In 2016, the initiative delivered donated running shoes to Skeen Primary School in Alexandra and the Johannesburg Girls Preparatory School in Berea. Last year, the recipient was Realogile Secondary School in Alexandra which received more than 300 pairs of running shoes.
This year the initiative aims at collecting 400 pairs of shoes.
Help us reach our goal and keep hundreds of South African children’s feet warm and happy. You can drop off your shoes and meet the Caxton team on race day, 7 October at 8am, Marks Park Sports Club. You can also drop off your unwanted shoes at 368 Jan Smuts Avenue, Caxton House or 1187 Cornelius street, corner JG Strijdom, Weltevreden Park.
The Rosebank Killarney Gazette extends its thanks to Parkview Junior and Senior School as well as Pridwin Preparatory School which also donated shoes for the cause.
Will you be taking part in the SPAR Women’s race this year? Tweet your response to RK_Gazette
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