Learners from a local high school recently collected and donated pairs of used athletic shoes for athletes in need.
This was according to Francois du Toit, owner and founder of Boots for Life (BFL), a local non-governmental organisation (NGO). BFL partnered with Societas, the Paul Roos Gymnasium (PRG) community outreach programme, to collect 94 pairs of used athletic shoes for athletes in need. This was shared on the PRG Facebook page on 11 May.
A local non-governmental organisation (NGO), Boots for Life, received 94 pairs of used athletic shoes from Paul Roos Gymnasium (PRG) learners. Each donated pair of athletic shoes is personalised to give an indication of the shoe size and who donated it. PHOTO: Inge du Plessis
“Since we were at the start of our new rugby season, we knew it would be a good time to collect second-hand togs, takkies and athletic shoes, as many of the boys would have outgrown theirs from previous years,” said Robyn Pienaar, organiser of Societas and teacher at PRG in email correspondence with MatieMedia.
Ian Smith, a grade eight learner at PRG, told MatieMedia in a written response that he introduced BFL to Societas. Smith is a boarder at PRG, and was able to bring in donations from a range of areas, including Oudtshoorn and the Karoo, with the assistance of his boarding school peers.
Francois du Toit, owner and founder of Boots for Life (BLF), a local non-governmental organisation (NGO). PHOTO: Inge du Plessis
“Just like me, there are other serious sports boys with growing feet. Societas reaches everyone and they help everywhere,” said Smith.
The shoes that were collected are in great condition and will make a difference in the lives of many athletes, according to Pienaar.
Ian Smith, the Grade 8 learner from Paul Roos Gymnasium (PRG) who introduced Boots for Life (BFL), a local non-governmental organisation, to Societas, the PRG community outreach programme. Smith was coached by Francois du Toit at the Stellenbosch Rugby Academy when he was 5 years old. “He made an impact on me because he is always helping others. I want to help him help others,” said Smith. PHOTO: Supplied/Jacques Vermooten
The collected shoes will go to any athlete who needs them — there is no criteria for distribution, according to Du Toit. “We are working hand-in-hand with NGOs around South Africa to help them out, or people can contact us if they know of anyone in need and we will help assist them,” said Du Toit.
The aim of the partnership between BFL and PRG is to encourage more schools and businesses to help those in need, according to Du Toit.
“For some of us, to go into a shop and buy a new pair of boots or shoes is no problem, but there are a lot of people out there that cannot even afford the cheapest pair. That is why we started this NGO,” he said.
Francois du Toit explains how Boots for Life (BFL), a local non-governmental organisation, works. He also shows a pair of rugby togs donated by Ryan Oosthuizen, a South African sevens rugby player. VIDEO: Inge du Plessis