Barefoot children touch her heart
Miss Ballito finalist Cara Conway has raised R8, 000 from local businesses to buy brand new school shoes for vulnerable North Coast children.
The 16-year-old said the whole idea of school shoes came about when she had to brainstorm community work ideas for the Miss Ballito competition.
“The first thing that came to my mind were the young kids who walk barefoot to school in this summer heat,” she said.
Miss Ballito finalist Cara Conway pictured with the 82 pairs of school shoes that she bought for needy children after her fundraising effort.
The Grange Farm resident said it really saddens her to see kids walking eight kilometres everyday to Sizani Combined Primary School without shoes.
“Often we give them a lift from the farm to school and to turn a blind eye on the plight of these children is impossible. I had to do something,” said Conway.
She said she plans to hand over the 82 pairs of school shoes to the needy children at Kwamama and Summer Hill.
“I feel happy that I will make a difference to someone’s life,” she said.
Conway thanked all the local businesses in Ballito and Umhlali for their willing donations.
“A special thanks to Mica Lifestyle, Pick ‘n Pay, Boston College and Southern Projects and Development who gave generously. You have impacted some child’s life and brought them some comfort,” said Conway.’
She also thanked her mother Karen Conway for her support throughout the Miss Ballito competition and for helping her raise funds for the shoes.
Cara’s efforts serve to remind us that we all can make a difference in someone’s life. You too can help a school child by buying a pair of shoes to donate to the North Coast Courier Orphan Fund Soles for Souls campaign.
Drop off a pair of new or good secondhand shoes at our offices – we will be distributing them at the end of January!
