Spreading Joy with the Santa Shoebox Project: Encouraging the Spirit of Giving - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Spreading Joy with the Santa Shoebox Project: Encouraging the Spirit of Giving

1 min read
santa shoebox project sharethelove

The Gift of Giving: The Santa Shoebox Project

The Santa Shoebox Project, a beloved and highly regarded initiative, has been bringing joy to children in South Africa and Namibia for 17 years. Through this project, disadvantaged children receive custom gifts containing essential items and treats, adding a touch of happiness to their festive season. Impressively, a total of 1,152,587 children have experienced the kindness of countless contributors.

This year, the Santa Shoebox Project is adopting a new theme: #ShareTheLove. In an innovative approach, donors are urged to add a duplicate item to their gift box, allowing the child receiving the gift to share the extra item with a friend or family member. This elegantly simple act enables the child to personally embrace the project’s core principle—experiencing the joy of giving.

While significant progress has been made, there are still about 3,500 children waiting for their own Santa Shoebox. With your assistance, we can make their festive season an unforgettable one.

If you are interested in joining this uplifting project, follow these three straightforward steps:

Step 1: Pick Up a Box or More

You can collect Santa Shoeboxes from the customer service desks at Somerset Mall, located in the Edgars and Game Courts, until Saturday, 30 September. The first five boxes are free, and each additional box costs R10. All proceeds go directly to the Santa Shoebox Project.

Step 2: Fill Your Santa Shoebox

Each Santa Shoebox should contain a variety of essential items and treats for the child. When decorating the box, think about using environmentally friendly materials like paint or stickers instead of paper. A personal, handwritten note to the recipient adds a sincere touch and fosters a deep connection.

Remember to print and attach the Santa Shoebox label on the outside of the lid, in the top right-hand corner, and secure the lid to the box with an elastic band. To participate in the #ShareTheLove theme, download and affix a special sticker to the duplicate item, identifying it as a gift for the child to give to a special person in their life.

Step 3: Drop Off and Enjoy

Once your Santa Shoebox is packed and decorated, and the duplicate item is labeled with the #ShareTheLove sticker, you can drop off your completed boxes at the customer service desk between 1 and 28 October.

By taking part in the Santa Shoebox Project, we can all make a significant impact on the lives of underprivileged children. As the project’s philosophy aptly states, “An underprivileged child has the same potential, the same value, and the same full, layered life that a privileged child does; they simply aren’t given the same opportunities.” Together, let us close this gap, empower young lives, and share the love.

Previous Story

Improving Access to Justice for the Deaf: Overcoming Sign Language Interpreter Challenges in Courtrooms

Next Story

A Salute to Commitment: Recognizing Military Units with the Freedom of Entry Parade

Latest from Blog

Unveiling the Rising Threat: Rabies in Cape Fur Seals

Rabies is now a serious threat to Cape Fur Seals, once seen as graceful ocean dwellers. Symptoms like aggression, confusion, foaming at the mouth, and paralysis signal the deadly disease’s presence. A recent shocking video shows a seal acting strangely, raising alarms among scientists. This marks a new danger for marine life, as rabies usually affects land animals. To fight back, researchers are launching a campaign to understand and protect these seals, reminding us how fragile our ocean ecosystems can be.

A Community Shaken: The Assault at Wellington’s BP Garage

A terrible event shook the peaceful town of Wellington when a petrol attendant was violently attacked at the local BP garage. Two men jumped out of their car and, after a simple request to park properly, unleashed an awful assault on the worker. The shocking incident was caught on video, spreading outrage throughout the community and sparking calls for justice. Residents, outraged by the violence, are rallying together, demanding accountability and a safer environment. This incident serves as a painful reminder of the importance of respect and unity in their community.

Uniting Cape Town: The Rise of Cat Fostering

In Cape Town, cat fostering is a heartwarming way for people to help cats and kittens find loving homes. Local groups like Foster Love Animal Rescue and TEARS play vital roles in this effort, making sure these furry friends receive care and support. As residents open their homes to these playful companions, they create strong bonds in their community, all while bringing joy and comfort into their lives. This beautiful movement showcases the city’s love for animals and the collective spirit to make a difference, proving that even in a busy city, kindness and compassion thrive.

The Looming VAT Hike in South Africa: A Deeper Dilemma

South Africa is facing a VAT hike from 15% to 16%, which makes life harder for many families, especially those with low incomes. This increase will raise prices on everyday items, like food and electricity, pushing struggling households into even deeper financial trouble. While the government claims this tax is needed to boost revenue for public services, it does little to fix bigger problems like unemployment and poverty. Instead of just raising taxes, the government should focus on creating jobs and supporting small businesses to help everyone thrive. Without real change, the future looks tough for many South Africans.

Exploring the Underwater Wonders of Cape Town

Cape Town is a magical place for diving, with stunning spots like Castle Rock, colorful kelp forests in False Bay, and the haunting Antipolis wreck. Divers can explore vibrant marine life and beautiful underwater landscapes at around 350 dive sites, perfect for everyone from beginners to experts. The kelp forests feel like an underwater jungle, offering peace and wonder, while the historical wrecks invite adventurous souls to uncover stories from the past. With its rich ecosystems and thrilling encounters with creatures like seals and dolphins, diving in Cape Town is an unforgettable adventure waiting to be discovered!