In a heartwarming collaboration, Outside the Bowl Africa and Samaritans Feet SA have launched the transformative Food for Soles project to nourish and empower 67 000 children from toe to tummy.
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The project is set to launch on Mandela Day, 18 July, this year.
This initiative aims to uplift homeless and underprivileged youth across South Africa by providing 67 000 vulnerable children with essential shoes, socks and nutritious meals.
![Samaritan's Feet South Africa/Facebook](https://www.capetownetc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/thumbnail_Mandela-Day-photos-3-600x400.jpg)
The areas where assistance will be provided include the Cape Winelands District, Cape Town Metro, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and even Lesotho.
Combining Samaritans Feet’s mission to provide footwear with Outside the Bowl’s dedication to feeding children, the project ambitiously tackles both challenges at once.
The Food for Soles project aspires to go beyond charity, focusing on restoring dignity, offering hope and creating opportunities for these children to thrive.
Launching on 18 July, a day symbolising Nelson Mandela’s fight against poverty and commitment to social justice, the initiative aims to harness his legacy to inspire action and change.
‘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,’ said Loren Erasmus, executive director at Outside the Bowl Africa.
![Samaritan's Feet South Africa/Facebook](https://www.capetownetc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mandela-Day-photos-4-600x800.jpg)
‘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.’
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