I can’t believe it is that time of year again already – the Santa Shoebox Project is already almost over, with only 2 weeks to go until the drop off dates begin. When we posted this time last year, 90% of the boxes have been pledged, this year that number is lower at only 64%!!
I really believe this is simply because it hasn’t quite hit home that Christmas is barreling down on us at a rapid rate (only 10 weeks to go). Well, we thought we would send out a little reminder so that you and your organisations can still help to bring magic and wonder into the lives of children in need from all over South Africa and Namibia.
For those who don’t know what the Santa Shoebox Project is all about; it is an amazing initiative that began in Cape Town 9 years ago. That first year, the Project collected 180 shoeboxes for children in orphanages, children’s homes and care centres locally; last year they just missed 110,000 shoeboxes that went out to over 1000 facilities across South Africa and Namibia.
This is IDU’s 5th year participating; we encourage our staff and our customers to get involved in any way they can and we personally deliver the shoeboxes as a company, to the local drop off areas.
We really love that this project is so personal, allowing our team members to choose whether they want to spoil a boy or girl, a baby or a teenager; that we can learn the child’s name and shop for items with that specific child in mind. I think it makes it more special for the children as well, knowing they were specially chosen and everything was bought just for them. For many of these children, this is the first time they will experience that feeling.
While creating your own shoeboxes is a very personal way to get involved, there are other channels for involvement that are just as valuable to the Project. You can donate a virtual shoebox online, you can become a sponsor, you can make a financial donation or there is huge value to add by volunteering your time.
All financial donations go towards the SSB Legacy; where the money will be used for skill development of the people who provide love and care to the children at more than 1000SSB recipient facilities.
We at idu Software are proud to support this initiative and we encourage you to get involved with the Santa Shoebox Project and make a difference.