Imagine not having a pair of shoes at hand to tackle the day.
Shoes are a necessary shield against the elements — such as rain, snow, sun and even asphalt.
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However, for some, wearing and owning a pair of shoes is considered a luxury, regardless of how tatty they may become from overuse.
This is the reality that Life Changer, a non-profit organisation (NPO) aimed at restoring dignity and rehabilitating the homeless on Pietermaritzburg’s streets, is trying to change by hosting a shoe drive for the homeless community that benefits from its programmes.
Life Changer co-director Caroline Holley said the initiative was motivated by having a heart for keeping the homeless alive this winter.
“Some nights it is literally life or death for them. If we can keep them warm, they can stay alive for longer and we have a bigger window of opportunity to help them,” Holley said.
Under the motto, “Every step forward begins with someone’s generous heart”, Life Changer is asking the Pietermaritzburg community to donate second-hand men’s shoes, as this does not only mean warmth for them but also dignity and renewed hope.
The organisation’s Veronica Myaka, lovingly nicknamed “Mam V” by the Life Changer team, said shoes meant more than anything to a person, especially as the homeless walk long distances to their destinations.
On a Wednesday, [which is clinic day], the guys sometimes ask me for a pair of shoes.
“When they come into the second-hand shop, it’s the first thing they look for, and then they ask me to keep a pair for them to collect later on.
“A pair of shoes means a lot, especially in winter, as it brings comfort,” Myaka said.
She recalled how a man came in one day and was able to find not only his favourite shoes, but ones that fit perfectly.
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He had “jumped around and danced down the street”, telling everyone he had found the right pair of shoes.
People who want to drop off shoes and other donations, such as clothing and blankets, can do so at 7 Levy Street, 212 Gladys Mkhize Avenue, or at the One Life Foundation offices in Hayfields.