"The support of the Hyprop malls and the Hyprop Foundation enables our beloved Santa Shoebox Project to achieve its mission of providing equal access to quality education for all children in South Africa facilitated through acts of kindness. It is incredibly valuable to have a partner in Hyprop that shares our values," says Santa Shoebox Project spokesperson, Debbie Zelezniak.

Since its inception in 2006, the Santa Shoebox Project has transformed lives by delivering over 1.3 million personalised shoeboxes filled with essentials and gifts to underprivileged children across South Africa. Hyprop says that its continued financial and community support has significantly enhanced the project's reach and effectiveness.

Significant Contributions Over the Years

Over the past three years, the Hyprop Foundation says that it has contributed a total of R1.1-million to the Santa Shoebox Project, distributed as follows:

  • 2024: R400 000, benefiting 574 teachers and 12 048 children
  • 2023: R350 000, benefiting 238 teachers and 4 150 children, and
  • 2022: R350 000, benefiting 508 teachers and 14 442 children. 

This consistent financial investment has supported the training of teachers in Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes, equipping them with essential skills such as perceptual training, learning through play and creating toys from recyclable materials. Over the three years, Hyprop says that its contribution has positively impacted the lives of 30 640 children and provided over 1 300 teachers with valuable skills.

A Year of Community and Generosity

This year, Hyprop says that its centres once again served as vibrant collection hubs for the Santa Shoebox Project, encouraging shoppers to participate by donating personalised shoeboxes filled with essential items such as toiletries, school supplies, clothing, toys and treats.

Reflecting on the partnership, Leonie du Preez from the Hyprop Foundation, says, "The Santa Shoebox Project demonstrates the significant impact of collective giving. At Hyprop, we are dedicated to supporting initiatives that uplift communities and spread joy. Our financial contributions, along with the enthusiastic involvement of our shoppers, have made 2024 another successful year of giving."

The annual participation of Hyprop’s centres has strengthened community ties and made it easier for the public to engage with this beloved initiative. Over the years, Hyprop says that it has helped collect tens of thousands of shoeboxes, bringing cheer to children across South Africa.

A Lasting Legacy

Through the Hyprop Foundation, the group channels its Corporate and Social Investment initiatives aimed at fostering meaningful change by focusing on education and skills development, community upliftment and enterprise development. The Santa Shoebox Project shares a broader mission that includes building pre-schools, training teachers and creating reading corners, which aligns with Hyprop's commitment to enhancing education and uplifting communities, says the group. 

As 2024 draws to a close, Hyprop concludes that it celebrates its continued role in supporting this important initiative and looks forward to its further impact in the coming years.

For more information, visit www.hyprop.co.za. You can also follow Hyprop on LinkedIn or on X. 

*Image courtesy of contributor