New shoes improve lives
TRUE to its promise to plough back to its community and change lives for good, Kagiso Mall in Johannesburg made local learners smile. Following its recent campaign titled “Walk in My Shoes”, the mall donated 200 pairs of school shoes to learners in the area to help prepare them for winter.
The donation came at an appropriate time given that winter is approaching and most learners in the area walk to school. The handover event, which took place earlier this month, was met with smiles and gratitude.
Many learners in South Africa struggle with inadequate or worn-out footwear, including hand-me-downs that are often ill-fitting, which result in discomfort, blisters or a reluctance to participate in physical activities.
Research has proven that access to proper footwear positively impacts children's ability to attend school regularly and participate in physical activities.
In appreciation of the support from Kagiso Mall, Pule Thage, the principal at Bosele Intermediate School, shared a message of gratitude.
“We would like to thank Kagiso Mall for the support and generous donation of school shoes. This donation will certainly help learners feel more ready to face the winter ahead.”
Kagiso Mall said it's marketing initiatives
prioritise people, partnering with local non-profit organisations, artists, and entrepreneurs to support its immediate community. Last year, 400 community members were supported with food hampers as part of the mall's “Giving Love Back to the Community”
event.
Kagiso Mall is in Kagiso, a community in the west of Johannesburg. The township has over 15 primary and secondary schools, many of whose learners are from disadvantaged backgrounds. The “Walk in My Shoes”
initiative is one of the mall's largest drives yet, aiming to make a difference in the lives of youth in the area.
Looking ahead, Kagiso Mall said it was dedicated to its mission of giving back and supporting vulnerable people.