Paarl-based NGO, Outside the Bowl Africa, together with Samaritans Feet SA, are proud to announce a ground-breaking collaboration on the "Food for Soles" project launching on Mandela Day this year.

This initiative aims to address the needs of homeless and underprivileged youth in South Africa by providing 67 000 vulnerable children with shoes, socks, and access to nutritious meals in the Cape Winelands District and Cape Town Metro, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal as well as Lesotho.

The "Food for Soles" project looks to go “beyond charity” as it focuses on restoring dignity, offering hope, and creating opportunities for these children to thrive. The initiative is set to launch on Mandela Day (18 July), a day that symbolises Nelson Mandela’s commitment to fighting poverty and promoting social justice. By choosing this symbolic day, the project aims to harness the spirit of Mandela's legacy to inspire action and change.

“Every contribution, whether financial or in-kind, will play a critical role in transforming the lives of 67 000 children and building a brighter future for our communities,” said Loren Erasmus, Executive Director at Outside the Bowl Africa.

“The need for this project is urgent and profound. In South Africa, many children walk long distances to school, often without proper footwear, which affects their health, education, and overall well-being. Lack of nutritious food further exacerbates their struggles, leading to issues such as malnutrition, stunted growth, and impaired cognitive development. By addressing these basic needs, the Food for Soles project hopes to create a foundation for these children to build better futures.”

How You Can Help:

TO REACH OUR TARGET WE NEED THE FOLLOWING:

WHAT WILL IT TAKE?? 67MINUTES TO DONATE ONLY R67,00? WE NEED 67 000 PEOPLE TO DO THIS TO FEED 67 000 CHILDREN PER DAY FOR THE MONTH OF JULY

1. Financial & Corporate Donations: Monetary contributions are crucial for purchasing food supplies, shoes & socks. Click on this link and DONATE NOW!!!!
2.  https://africaotb.org/projects/#mandela Ref: Robin67K

“By coming together to support the "Food for Soles" project, we can create a massive impact on underprivileged children in South Africa. Let’s honour Mandela's legacy by making a difference where it is needed most. Through collective action, we can help transform lives and build a brighter future for all.”

Adds Erasmus: “Our ongoing initiatives involve community outreach where we can raise awareness about the pressing need to create a safe and nurturing environment for these children, where their basic needs are met and allow them to focus on their education and overall well-being. Be assured that the spirit of Mandela Day is upheld throughout the year, contributing to lasting positive change in communities and honouring Nelson Mandela’s legacy of service, equality, and justice.” 

 

For more information on how you can support the "Food for Soles" project and become a champion for change, visit the websites of Samaritans Feet SA (www.samaritansfeet.co.za) and Outside the Bowl Africa (www.africaotb.org).

Outside the Bowl Africa Links:
Website Outside the Bowl Africa: https://africaotb.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outsidethebowlafrica
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outsidethebowlfeeding/
Event Video: https://www.facebook.com/events/537384357660179

MORE ABOUT OUTSIDE THE BOWL AFRICA

In the heart of Africa, amidst the bustling city of Paarl, Mark Maingard found himself at a crossroads. Mark had always been a shrewd entrepreneur, adept at navigating the intricacies of the corporate world. However, a pivotal moment in his life was about to change everything. Mark's life took a turn after a vivid dream - a divine calling urging him to "Go and feed my children." Startled yet inspired, he decided to shift from the pursuit of wealth to a mission for the less fortunate. The dream had lit a fire within him, and Mark was determined to make a difference.

In February 2016, Mark and his business partner took a bold step. They renovated and equipped a derelict facility in Paarl, transforming it into a hub of hope. On May 29, 2016, the first batch of 200 nutritious hot meals was delivered from their newly established non-profit organization.

The path to realizing this ambitious dream led Mark to meet Jae and Debra Evans from Outside The Bowl. Together, they forged a partnership that would amplify the impact of their individual efforts. Over time, Mark's dedication to feeding hungry children grew, but he realized that addressing the staggering scale of the issue required more than providing 3000 meals a day. The lingering dream urged him to do more.

In the pursuit of a scalable solution, Mark developed VitaKidz Instant Energy Meal - a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide instant nutrition on a massive scale. VitaKidz was conceived as a solution that could be produced in large quantities, making it possible to feed thousands of children with ease.

Through collaboration and determination, Mark Maingard's dream transformed from a single act of kindness into a movement with the potential to change the lives of hundreds of thousands of hungry children. The journey was challenging, but the initial dream persisted, guiding Mark and his allies as they worked tirelessly to turn their collective vision into reality. Today, we celebrate and pursue to make this dream a reality.

MORE ABOUT SAMARITAN’S FEET

Samaritan’s Feet is a South African non-profit organization within a global humanitarian network. Its core mission is to serve impoverished children who lack shoes, providing them with both footwear and hope. The organization emphasizes creating positive connections, both physical and emotional, which significantly impact the children's lives. Volunteers spend time washing and caring for the children's feet while offering words of encouragement, reminding them that their lives matter. Samaritan’s Feet operates with a spirit of happiness and hope, aiming to protect and serve both the feet and hearts of the children. Their efforts transform the lives of the children, volunteers, and partners involved.