Cape Town executive deputy mayor Eddie Andrews ran Sunday’s Cape Town Marathon in support of his ‘Soles for Souls’ charity programme.
He stopped the clock in a time of 6:36:27, well inside the cut-off time.
The programme aims to raise R3.3 million to provide 42 200 pairs of school shoes to children in desperate need across the Mother City.
Basic needs
Many families in Cape Town’s 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.
Andrews, now 47, played 23 Tests for the Springboks between 2004 and 2007, winning 11, losing 11 and drawing one.
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.
No specific schools have been identified yet as recipients of the donation, but Andrews said they are looking at schools in the Cape Metro and province.
“We have not yet confirmed a handover, we haven’t set a date yet.
“The giving doesn’t stop on October 20, we are hoping to still continue to post the event and get more people on board,” he said.
The Santa Shoebox Project, known for its 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.
Campaign partners
- 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 children’s charity has distributed over 1.2 million personalised gifts to children in need, including vital goods such as school shoes.
For more information on the campaign or how to donate, click here.
Did you run – or watch – Sunday’s Cape Town Marathon?
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