Festive Season Joy to 74,751 Children in 2024

Santa Shoebox Project donors have once again rallied to support underprivileged children across South Africa and Namibia, with 74,751 shoeboxes being donated this year – up from 2023’s total of 74,169, bringing the total number of children impacted over the past 19 years to 1,301,508. Deb Zelezniak, the organisation’s CEO, attributes this increase to inflation dropping to 2.8% and two …

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Budget Allocations Must Align with ECD Sector Realities

In the recently delivered Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a 5.6% annual increase in funding for basic education. This investment will be put towards improving educational outcomes through initiatives such as piloting a nutrition programme in early childhood development (ECD). While Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project , welcomes this, she stresses that …

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Become a Santa’s Helper This Holiday Season 

Can you believe that the festive season is a mere four months away? As the countdown to the holidays begins, so does the start of the Santa Shoebox Project’s annual mission to spread joy to underprivileged children across Namibia and South Africa. On 1 September 2024, pledges open for Santa s helpers (i.e. the South African public) to put together …

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The Festive Season Starts Now:

It’s time to pledge Santa Shoeboxes for children in need. Almost eight million South African children live below the poverty line, resulting in many not receiving a Christmas gift. While it may still be cold outside, now is the time for warm hearts to come together to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. The Santa Shoebox Project, …

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Transformative CSI Addresses Mental Health

Written by Deidré Vrede, board member of the JOG (Joy of Giving) Trust, governing body of the Santa Shoebox Project. Stress levels among South Africans have reached alarming heights, making it increasingly difficult for many to cope with life’s demands. Over 70% of South Africans admit to grappling with stress. Worse still, more than half are so overwhelmed by it …

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Local NPO Expands Board to Amplify the Joy of Giving

The JOG (Joy of Giving) Trust, custodian of the Santa Shoebox Project (SSP) – a collection of initiatives dedicated to uplifting underprivileged children in South Africa and Namibia – has elected Deidré Vrede and Samenthea Arendse to its board of trustees.Over the past 18 years, the Project has brought joy to over 1.3m children through its Traditional Santa Shoebox, Virtual …

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Early Childhood Development Investment is Crucial

In South Africa, almost half of Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres lack basic necessities, with 45% having no indoor plumbing, and 40% lacking flushable toilets. Additionally, 34% don’t have a proper outdoor playground. These conditions can hinder a child’s development and well being, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.SSP Legacy, a division of the Santa Shoebox Project , is tackling …

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