The Santa Shoebox Project (SSP) is calling on South Africans to honour the legacy of the late Nelson Mandela by donating just 67 seconds – instead of 67 minutes – if they don’t have the time or proximity to volunteer in person but wish to make an impact.

The organisation celebrates its milestone 20th anniversary this year and invites all South Africans to be part of its #BeautifulStory by pledging a Virtual Santa Shoebox (VSS).

While a traditional shoebox brings joy to an individual child, the VSS is a powerhouse of systemic change.

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Legacy donation

Proceeds from these boxes fund the SSP Legacy initiatives, including the building of schools, installation of reading corners, supplying books, the empowerment of craftswomen, and critical training of early childhood development (ECD) teachers.

“It’s dynamite in a small package. No donation you make today will work harder,” says SSP CEO Deb Zelezniak.

“Because we source our shoebox components from other NPOs – organisations focused on skills development and the economic empowerment of women – your one gift serves many causes simultaneously. Schools are built, teachers are trained, children get the resources they need, and an entire sector is strengthened, all by a single R500 box.”

The impact is tangible; to date, the SSP Legacy arm has directly reached over 182 000 children, while the project as a whole has reached more than 1,5 million beneficiaries.

Break the cycle

Current projects include the completion of the project’s eighth school-build at Reaiteka Pre-School in the Northern Cape, where every detail is designed to foster independence and the “I can” spirit in young children.

The school is being unveiled to the Maruping community next week.

For those with a busy schedule this Mandela Day, the VSS offers an impactful alternative that takes only 67 seconds to complete.

These boxes are available on the SSP website year-round and are allocated to children in rural facilities where donors may not be able to deliver physical boxes.

“We believe that quality early education is the most powerful catalyst to break the cycle of poverty,” Zelezniak relates. “By pledging a virtual box, you are providing a child with the tools to succeed while building the infrastructure they need to thrive.”

To pledge a VSS, visit santashoebox.org.za.

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