7. santa shoebox - Christmas 2013

The gathering was opened with a stirring prayer, then ice cream cones were handed out, sticky fingers taking great delight in spreading this treat all over their faces and clothes – and occasionally in their mouths!

Santa’s little helpers – Kyle and Michaela Stock and Gary and Ross Tracy handed out Santa’s Shoeboxes to elated children, some were totally overwhelmed by the experience.

Each box contained a selection of goodies including a toy, clothing, toothpaste, soap, flannel and sweets. There was no squabbling, crying or sulking – just pure joy and gratitude.

Sweet buckets were distributed to the adults to be saved for later.

Representatives of the Milimani Educational Trust gave a short thank you to Nicola Wicks of Bay Stationers in Richard’s Bay, equally acknowledging the kind folk and companies that have taken the time, effort and finance to prepare and distribute the boxes.

The community reciprocated with song and dance – the little ones showing that, eish, they can kick!!

Thank you Nicola Wicks and

 your wonderful community 

for bringing so much joy to 

the Sizane Creche!

http://site.santashoebox.co.za/

Spearheaded by the founder of Kidz2Kidz, Dee Boehner, the Santa Shoebox Project originated in Cape Town in 2006, with national coordinator Irene’ Pieters joining in 2007.

The Kidz2Kidz Trust (IT2671/2009) is a registered Public Benefit (PBO-930031301) and Non Profit Organisation (NPO 102-098) with Level Four B-BBEE Contributor and Section 18A status.

Since then, the project has grown in leaps and bounds and the number of Santa Shoeboxes has grown from a humble 180 boxes in 2006 to 99 470 boxes in 2012.

Santa Shoeboxes project is supported by an extensive network of volunteers across South Africa and Namibia - kind-hearted people who give freely of their time, energy and expertise without remuneration. It also relies on the kind backing of various corporate sponsors pledging monetary or pro bono logistics support, while many companies involve their staff members to pledge Santa Shoeboxes as part of their Corporate Social Investment programmes. Satellite projects have sprung up not only in the big cities but also include many small rural towns, each of which is run by volunteers who take the responsibility as coordinators for their areas. The project is represented in all provinces, with 54 satellites across South Africa, including one in Namibia.