The donation forms part of Sešego Cares' winter drive, which will see the organisation provide in excess of 500 individuals with warmth during the winter months. Ikusasa Lethu Youth Project reaches 350 children in the informal settlement of Freedom Park alone.
Speaking on why KABC and why TOMS shoes, the national coordinator of Sešego Cares, Annemarie Mostert said: "This donation speaks to Sešego Cares on many levels. KABC has been helping its surrounding community for the past few years with funding from volunteers. Through this project, they have identified various families and organisations that do not have a source of income and are unable to fulfil their basic needs. As the winter months approach, we are privileged to be able to assist in ensuring that they keep warm during this time."
She adds, "In giving the beneficiaries a pair of TOMS shoes we are spreading our reach wider. For each pair of TOMS shoes sold internationally, a second pair is given to children of families in need across the globe. This means that we are not only providing a quality pair of shoes to the children in Naturena and Freedom Park but are extending this globally."
"We are delighted to partner with Sešego Cares to provide the woollies items and TOMS Shoes to the needy families. We hope that this partnership will go a long way to assist the needy in our community and will also challenge local community, church and businesses to join hands in meeting the needs of those who are less fortunate," said Lawrance Sithole, outreach project manager at KABC.
Sešego Cares, in partnership with the Department of Education, has given 100 000 pairs of TOMS shoes to disadvantaged schoolchildren across South Africa.
Through Sešego Cares' "Wool Project," as it has become known, more than 2000 beneficiaries, ranging from disabled children to Aids-orphans and the elderly have benefited to date. Geographically, the project has reached every corner of the province - including Hammanskraal, Soweto, Eldorado, Greymont, Krugersdorp Alexandra, Alberton and the greater East Rand.
Mostert says, "Supporting our communities is important to us. Our true reward comes from the volunteer work of our employees and by supporting charitable organisations, philanthropic causes and community-based groups that make a difference in our country on a daily basis."
She appeals to the corporate community, volunteer organisations and other entities to continue making a difference in the lives of the vulnerable and disadvantaged.
