The 'Give2Move' initiative, which encourages people across South Africa to donate new or gently worn running and sports shoes to help others take their first steps towards a more active life, was launched in February in collaboration with Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, highlighting the government's commitment to promoting physical activity for all South Africans, say Discovery and Afrika Tikkun.

Members of the public are encouraged to donate shoes at drop-off points located at Discovery offices, Virgin Active gyms, Sportsmans Warehouse stores, Discovery Soccer Parks and selected parkrun events across the country. In addition to shoe donations, financial contributions are also welcome through Afrika Tikkun, a non-profit organisation, to help purchase high-demand sizes and ensure that shoes reach the people who need them most, adds the duo. 

"At Discovery Vitality, we believe that movement is a powerful catalyst for change. The 'Give2Move' initiative is about more than just shoes — it's about unlocking potential, dignity and opportunity through physical activity. By collaborating with government, Afrika Tikkun and the broader community, we're helping South Africans take their first steps — literally and figuratively — towards healthier, more empowered lives," says Dr Karen Johnson, Head of Strategic Programmes and Wellness at Discovery Vitality. 

The duo says that all recipients at the handover, which took place on Friday, 20 June, with Minister McKenzie in attendance, were registered beneficiaries of Afrika Tikkun, which is dedicated to the holistic development of young people from disadvantaged communities.  

"When government, corporates and civil society come together with a shared vision, we unlock real, scalable change. The 'Give2Move' campaign is a testament to what public-private partnerships can achieve, restoring dignity, driving inclusion and investing in the potential of every South African. We're proud to stand alongside Discovery Vitality and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture under Minister Gayton McKenzie in taking this step forward — together," says Marc Lubner, Group CEO of Afrika Tikkun. 

Discovery Vitality and Afrika Tikkun say that earlier in June, Discovery Vitality rallied schools across South Africa to get involved in the initiative. South African primary and secondary schools across the country can donate gently worn running shoes, soccer boots or any other sports footwear between Sunday, 1 June and Friday, 15 August. In recognition of their efforts, two schools will stand a chance to win R50 000 to support their own wellness and physical activity programmes. 

Discovery Vitality and Afrika Tikkun say that schools can get involved by:

  • registering for the #VitalityGive2Move initiative to receive a collection bin 
  • dropping off gently worn (or new) sports shoes at the school's donation point, and 
  • encouraging friends, family and colleagues to donate their shoes too.

The duo concludes that the two schools that collect the most shoes in their category will win R50 000.

For more information, visit www.discovery.co.za. You can also follow Discovery Vitality on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor