Outside the Bowl Africa, a Paarl-based NGO, and Samaritans Feet SA have announced a collaboration on the Food for Soles project launching on Mandela Day in 2024. This initiative addresses the needs of underprivileged youth in South Africa by providing 67 000 vulnerable children with shoes, socks and access to nutritious meals.
The Food for Soles project looks to go 'beyond charity' as it focuses on restoring dignity, offering hope and creating opportunities for these children to thrive, says Outside the Bowl Africa.
The initiative is set to launch on Thursday, 18 July as a part of Mandela Day, a day that symbolises Nelson Mandela's commitment to fighting poverty and promoting social justice. By choosing this day, the project aims to harness the spirit of Mandela's legacy to inspire action and change, says the NGO.
According to Outside the Bowl Africa, the initiative will be implemented in:
- Cape Winelands District
- Cape Town Metro
- Gauteng
- Eastern Cape
- Northern Cape
- KwaZulu-Natal, and
- Lesotho.
"Every contribution, whether financial or in-kind, will play a critical role in transforming the lives of 67 000 children and building a brighter future for our communities," says Loren Erasmus, executive director at Outside the Bowl Africa. "The need for this project is urgent and profound. In South Africa, many children walk long distances to school, often without proper footwear, which affects their health, education and overall well-being."
"Lack of nutritious food further exacerbates their struggles, leading to issues such as malnutrition, stunted growth and impaired cognitive development. By addressing these basic needs, the Food for Soles project hopes to create a foundation for these children to build better futures," adds Erasmus.
Outside the Bowl Africa encourages individuals to help by donating here and using the reference Robin67K.
"By coming together to support the Food for Soles project, we can create a massive impact on underprivileged children in South Africa. Let's honour Mandela's legacy by making a difference where it is needed most. Through collective action, we can help transform lives and build a brighter future for all," says Erasmus.
Erasmus concludes, "Our ongoing initiatives involve community outreach where we can raise awareness about the pressing need to create a safe and nurturing environment for these children, where their basic needs are met and allow them to focus on their education and overall well-being. Be assured that the spirit of Mandela Day is upheld throughout the year, contributing to lasting positive change in communities and honouring Nelson Mandela's legacy of service, equality and justice."
For more information, visit www.samaritansfeet.co.za or www.africaotb.org. You can also follow Outside the Bowl Africa on Facebook, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor