Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews is supporting his Soles for Souls programme, which aims to provide 42 200 pairs of school shoes to children in need across the city, Cape town Etc reports.
In a show of personal commitment, Andrews will run 42.2 kilometres in the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on Sunday, as a symbolic gesture to mobilise support for vulnerable children. He hopes that his effort will inspire mass participation and bring about substantial change in the lives of young learners.
Many families in Cape Towns poorest neighbourhoods struggle to satisfy their basic needs, often unable to purchase necessities like school shoes for their children. These shoes are more than just a part of the uniform they provide dignity, comfort, and protection. For many students, not having adequate footwear leads to bullying, social exclusion, and missed school days, all of which have an impact on their education and perpetuate the cycle of poverty.
The Soles for Souls campaign aims to solve this by collecting 42,200 pairs of shoes, guaranteeing that no kid in Cape Town goes without suitable footwear. The Santa Shoebox Project, known for its exceptional work in providing gifts to children in need, and the online fundraising platform GivenGain will collaborate to make a long-term impact in these communities, including those supported by the Mayoral Urban Regeneration Programme MURP.
How to get involved- Individuals can support the initiative by donating directly through the GivenGain platform to assist meet the 42 200 school shoe target.
- Join the movement! Attend the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on October 20, 2024, cheer for Andrews, and encourage others to participate. Four supporters stations will be set up at the following locations Rondebosch Common, the N2/Main Road crossroads, Sea Point Swimming Pool and outside the SABC building in Sea Point.
- Share and share the word. Spread the word by sharing campaign information on social media, tagging Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews, and using the hashtag SolesForSouls.
- GivenGain is a global fundraising platform that allows non-profits to securely generate donations while connecting donors with causes they care about.
- Santa Shoebox Project Since 2006, this childrens charity has distributed over 1.2 million personalised gifts to children in need, including vital goods such as school shoes.
Andrews, a former Springbok player and current Executive Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, is known for his deep commitment to public service and community development. He continues to lead efforts to address Cape Town's spatial inequalities and economic growth, while championing causes that uplift vulnerable communities.
