With just five days remaining until National Funky Socks Day on Friday 11 September, organisers have confirmed that R2,1 million has already been raised towards this year’s R2.5 million target, and participants are encouraged to hurry and raise the final R400 000.

The milestone marks the fifth year of the PNA Funky Socks Day campaign, which has grown from a playful idea centred on colourful socks into one of the country’s most joyful fundraisers for children.

This year’s proceeds will be donated to three charities united by a commitment to disadvantaged youth: Breadline Africa, Rally to Read and Matla a Bana.

The 2026 campaign officially launched on 16 June, coinciding with Youth Day, and will culminate next Friday when schools, families and workplaces across Southern Africa are expected to pull on their brightest socks in support.

Every R10 sticker sold in South Africa contributes directly to the beneficiary organisations. For Breadline Africa funds raised will help deliver educational resource packs to early-childhood development centres in under-resourced communities. Last year support from the campaign made it possible to provide 50 packs filled with learning materials and stationery to help young children learn through play.

Marion Wagner, CEO of Breadline Africa, said the campaign is a reminder that giving can be joyful:

“There is something incredibly joyful about Funky Socks Day. It reminds us that doing good does not always have to feel heavy. Sometimes it looks like bright socks and laughter in a classroom. Sometimes it looks like people showing up for children they may never meet, simply because they care.”

Last year’s campaign raised R2 million across Southern Africa. Organisers are now urging the public to help close the final gap.

Getting involved is simple: supporters can buy a R10 sticker at PNA stores nationwide or online, order stickers for schools or workplaces, or simply wear their funkiest socks on Friday 11 September.

With R2,1 million already secured, organisers say they are hugely grateful for the support so far and hopeful that South Africans will help them cross the finish line in the final five days.

For more information visit https://breadlineafrica.org/celebrating-five-years-of-pna-funky-socks-day-and-the-joy-of-showing-up-for-children/

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