Tuesday 18 October 2011

Businesses unite behind Santa Shoebox Project 2011

Over the past five years the heart-warming Kidz2Kidz Santa Shoebox Project has touched the hearts of many thousands of South Africans. The project, which will by way of a volunteer social and community network collect 70 000 Christmas gifts for children at orphanages, crèches and care centres across the country this year, has grown exponentially over the years, earning the respect and support of the business sector.

This year a number of companies have put their weight behind this inspiring project, pledging monetary or logistics support. Among these are Laser Logistics, PEP, Aspire Solutions, FIVESTAR PR, Fairheads Trust Company, Media24, Glamour magazine, Khuluma magazine, Oprah magazine, the Woods Today, Waltex Carpets, Cellucity, Dreamcatcher Productions, Thuso and Protea Hotels, to name a few. Some have been on board since the onset, either contributing by way of a monetary donation, or in terms of delivering pro bono services, or others with a major group effort by their staff who pledge Santa Shoeboxes as part of their companies’ corporate social investment programme.

Says national co-ordinator of the Santa Shoebox Project, Irene Pieters: "The continued support of the business sector in the form of sponsorship plays a very important role in facilitating the sustained growth and outreach of the project. This translates directly into more gift boxes in the hands of happy children from vulnerable social backgrounds – some of whom have never received a Christmas gift before. We are blessed to have the backing of not only some of South Africa’s leading businesses, but also smaller companies who have pledged services that are essential to the logistics and success of this growing project.

This year we have more than doubled our target of Santa Shoeboxes – an ambitious, though worthwhile effort. To make this happen, we require more resources, and would like to invite companies, big and small, to get involved in some way in this amazing project, which benefits the recipient and donor alike. Equally we invite people of all ages and from all walks of life to pledge a Santa Shoebox or two this year."

Established in 2006, the Santa Shoebox Project is an initiative of the Kidz2Kidz Trust, a registered Public Benefit Organization (PBO number 930031301 - Public Benefits Organization Kidz2Kidz Trust), that offers assistance to children in need. It was spearheaded by the dynamic duo behind the project, Kidz2Kidz founder Dee Boehner and national coordinator Irene Pieters, and is driven by the simple desire to make a difference in the life of a vulnerable child.

With ‘teach your child the joy of giving’ as the essence of the project, donors are encouraged to involve their own children in the process of personally selecting the name of a specific child, and putting together his or her individualised, age-appropriate Santa Shoebox gift according to the guidelines provided. Uniquely, the donor knows the first name, age, gender and care institution of the child the gift was bought for. It is this personal touch that endears the project to adults and children from all walks of life.

How it works:

To participate in this heart-warming project and teach your own children and those around you the joy of giving, simply register online, where an easy step-by-step procedure will guide you through the process.

Donors need to:
• Register online as a donor NOW at www.santashoebox.co.za
• Select the name of a recipient of your choice (or more than one), as well as your most   
   convenient drop-off point across the country
• Decorate and fill an individualised gift box according to the specified guidelines
• Label the box with the recipient’s name
• Deliver the Santa Shoebox to the selected, pre-determined drop-off points on specified 
  dates (between 20 October and 4 November), from where the organisers dispatch the 
  Santa Shoeboxes to the various homes and centres.