Show a heart and support Dario’s Sole2Sole project
As part of the K90 Centre's 20th birthday celebrations, they're holding a shoe collection in support of the Sole2Sole charity.
The charity was started by nine-year-old Dario Gouveia, of Meyersdal, in February. Since then, he has collected close on 10 000 pairs of shoes which have been distributed to numerous organisations which look after the less fortunate, in Gauteng.
Managing Director of Bentel Property Consultants, Charlie Bentel, said the management of the centre were impressed when they heard about Dario’s project and the success he has achieved.
“We’re honoured to partner with Sole2Sole at our 20th birthday fun day and urge everyone who is going to come and join in the fun to bring shoes towards this worthy cause.
“For such a young man to have made this significant difference is truly remarkable and we are proud to be supporting his charity,” said Bentel.
According to Dario’s mother, Zita, it all started when Dario saw a beggar at a traffic light without shoes on. It concerned him and he decided to immediately donate shoes he didn’t wear to the less fortunate.
“The concept suddenly snowballed and before we knew it we’d established Sole2Sole and shoe donations were streaming in.
“Dario’s efforts also had a wonderful domino effect on other youngsters, across the country and as far as New Zealand, who started their own shoe collections for the needy,” said Zita.
The Grade Four Marist Brothers Linmeyer learner’s dedication to his charity didn’t go unnoticed.
Dario was elected Lead SA Hero of the Month in April, and was interviewed on radio, and was also a CEO SleepOut ambassador.
“This has been an incredible journey for Dario. He has been exposed to real poverty and need within our community and learned so much about the difficulties NGOs and other organisations face in taking care of the less fortunate,” said Zita.
“He initially aimed to collect 1 000 pairs of shoes. We are overwhelmed by the support we’ve had and are now very close to 10 000 pairs!”
For more information, visit the Sole2Sole Facebook page or email Zita on zgouveia@starpack.co.za.
- BRING YOUR SHOE DONATIONS TO THE K90
Bring a pair (or two) of “gently worn” shoes, secured together with an elastic band, to the K90 fun day, on September 2, and place them into one of the collection bins. Shoes can also be dropped at the centre management offices, before September 2.
Shoes of all sizes and for men, women and children are welcome!
Dario will be at the fun day from 12pm to 1pm to interact with visitors, have some fun and take the collection of the shoe donations.
Come on, Boksburg! Let’s help Dario exceed the 10 000 mark!
