A foundation born from heartbreak is asking Overberg residents to dig into their sock drawers this November – and help keep a young man’s legacy of generosity alive.

Renaldo “Biggies” Dickson was just 20 years old when he passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on 13 April 2023, while playing rugby – his favourite sport – for the University of Stellenbosch. A final-year BCom Finance student, former Deputy Head Boy, and member of the Overstrand Junior Town Council, Renaldo held Boland rugby colours and had dreamt of becoming an accountant from a very young age. He was described as a bright student who always received good grades, worked hard at school, and believed deeply that sharing is caring and that it is better to give than to receive.

Determined to turn their grief into something positive, his family established the Renaldo “Biggies” Dickson Memorial Foundation, which has already donated approximately R115 000 to support schoolchildren in Stanford, Gansbaai, and Elim. Donations have included school clothing, bedding for school hostels, sporting attire, travel sponsorships for Boland rugby and netball students and Paralympic students, and money to local schools and community bursary funds.

More opportunity

The foundation’s aim is simple: to ensure that more young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential, no matter their circumstances.

Now the foundation has announced a Sokkie Drive – a fundraising campaign collecting new socks for school children ahead of the 2026 school year. Supporters are asked to donate socks by the end of November, and for every pair given, the foundation will match the donation with Pritt glue sticks and pencils. A prize awaits the supporter who donates the most socks.

Donations can be dropped off at three collection points: Denise in Cape Town on 083 273 2992, Beverley in Elim on 083 463 9826, and Maureen in Stanford on 076 973 8127. Monetary contributions are also welcome and can be deposited into the foundation’s FNB account (universal branch code 250655, account number 63073616535). The foundation’s largest annual fundraiser takes place in November, the month of remembrance.

The foundation recently extended its heartfelt gratitude to all its supporters, describing their generosity as a small token to thank God for Renaldo’s life.”Since we started this foundation, you as our supporters made it worthwhile to give back to our communities, especially our children,” the foundation said. “Together we make a difference.”

For more information, contact Maureen on 076 973 8127.