Delivering aid and empathy to families in need

In a powerful testament to the enduring impact of love and loss, the Footprints 4 Sam Trust has transformed personal tragedy into a beacon of hope, delivering 180 Super Sam Hero Buckets to families grappling with life-limiting childhood illnesses.

ALSO READ: Parktown Girls High School joins Slipper Day to help children in need

The initiative is deeply personal for Melissa and Fred Platt, who founded Footprints 4 Sam in memory of their son, Samuel John Frederick Platt. Born on April 9, 2015, Sam spent his entire short life in hospital, enduring numerous medical interventions and a series of misdiagnoses before finally being identified with central core disease, a rare muscle myopathy. Tragically, just two weeks before he was to finally go home, Sam succumbed to sepsis on July 22, 2016.
Despite their profound loss, Melissa and Fred channelled their grief into a mission of love and service, ensuring Sam’s bravery and spirit would live on by helping others. “Our greatest achievement is honouring our son Sam, ensuring his legacy continues through community, kindness, empathy, and hope,” said Melissa.

As part of the Trust’s initiatives, the Sam Super Hero Buckets provide essential non-perishable food items and toiletries to families in need. Since 2017, Footprints 4 Sam has provided up to 152 000 meals to families across South Africa. These buckets offer not just sustenance but also a sense of dignity and relief for families facing emotional and financial strain.
“The impact of these buckets is profound,” explained Melissa. “They allow parents to focus on caring for their sick child without the added stress of food insecurity.”

ALSO READ: Siphesihle Community Club keeps Nokuthula Special School learners warm

Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, one of the primary recipients of these Super Sam Hero Buckets, plays a pivotal role in South Africa’s healthcare system. This hospital, renowned for its comprehensive paediatric care, is a lifeline for many families dealing with serious medical conditions. By providing the Sam Super Hero Buckets to the Paediatric Oncology Department at the hospital, the Trust ensures that the children and their families receive essential support during their hospital stays. This partnership underscores the Trust’s commitment to alleviating the burdens faced by families and healthcare providers in such critical environments.
Additionally, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg, Dr Josef Dadoo Hospital in Krugersdorp and Queen Nandi Regional Hospital in KZN are also beneficiaries of this initiative. Additionally, the Trust collaborates with Paedspal in Cape Town, ensuring that families transported by Super Sam Hero vehicles also receive the much-needed support.
The initiative is bolstered by partnerships with Triton Express, which has generously delivered the buckets free of charge since the Trust’s inception, and Checkers, which packs all the buckets. “These collaborations amplify the impact of our initiatives and allow us to reach more families in need.”

ALSO READ: St Teresa’s School prioritises those in need by donations

Footprints 4 Sam continues to seek support from the community to sustain and expand their efforts. “We encourage everyone to contribute in any way they can, whether by knitting a jersey, donating a toy, or offering their time, skills, or financial support,” appeals Melissa. The Super Sam Hero Buckets not only provide continuity of care but also empower families to navigate their challenges with resilience and hope, ensuring that Sam’s legacy lives on through acts of kindness and compassion.