Rotary donation puts new shoes on Kleinberg pupils’ feet

Smiles filled the corridors of Kleinberg Primary School when pupils received a special delivery at the start of the new school year - 100 pairs of brand new school shoes.

The donation was handed over on Tuesday, January 27, by the Rotary Club Cape of Good Hope, bringing practical support and a boost of confidence to learners at the Ocean View school.

Principal Denzil van Graan said the school community was deeply grateful for the gesture. He explained that the School Governing Body, staff and learners all appreciated the outreach and support from Rotary.

“The pupils’ smiles on receiving the shoes showed their thankfulness,” he said.

 “Thank you to Rotary Club Cape of Good Hope for selecting Kleinberg Primary School as a beneficiary of your outreach. The gratitude shown by the kids in their smiles and as they proudly wear the shoes is heartwarming. Our school is thankful for the much-needed collaboration.”

The initiative was spearheaded by Marge Uphold, a member of the Rotary Club Cape of Good Hope, who requested that her club donate 100 pairs of school shoes to Kleinberg Primary at the start of the school year

The school falls within the club’s focus area, and Ms Uphold also volunteers there as a mentor.

She explained that the project is linked to a broader initiative known as My Walk.

My Walk, a non-profit and public benefit organisation, is a joint initiative between Netcare and Adcock Ingram Critical Care. The project turns single-use PVC drip bags, oxygen masks and associated tubing into new school shoes.

The partnership is described as an example of a circular economy in action - providing an environmentally responsible solution while also meeting a social need. Alongside reducing medical waste, the initiative supports education, job creation and enterprise development.

Ms Uphold explained that if enough shoes are purchased, sponsors sometimes cover delivery costs.

The shoes are not sold in retail stores but are supplied to churches, non-governmental organisations and like-minded charities.

In this case, the Rotary Club sponsored 100 pairs for Kleinberg Primary School.

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