With it being just over a year since a global pandemic was declared, we offer our condolences to everyone who has experienced the effects of infection, loss of loved ones and having to adjust to very different circumstances to what we were used to.
Although there is hope on the horizon with the vaccines that have been developed, experts recommend that we remain vigilant and continue to practice the non-pharmaceutical interventions such as wearing a mask, social distancing and regular sanitising, to keep ourselves and others safe.
As winter approaches, temperatures drop, more times indoors and overcrowding are more likely to occur. Let us spare a moment to consider this environment for those who are less privileged. Survival at the best of times is difficult, but faced with the additional challenges that are brought on by COVID-19, life becomes harder and the risks increase.
Social welfare systems are under enormous pressure and the State and private sector can partner to support poorer communities through ongoing sustainable interventions.
Bata and Liberty are collaborating through the “Winter Shoe Drive”, where the Liberty Community donates school shoes to destitute children, thus improving the education experience and assisting in alleviating the hardships they face. This is part of Liberty’s annual Corporate Social Responsibility Program where Bata Toughees would normally provide 5000 pairs of shoes for donation. This year Bata has provided BFirst Bata School shoes, which has enabled them to provide 11 725 pairs, more than double the previous years.
“Bata SA has always aligned itself with education and educational assistance programmes, as we recognise the potential of the youth today, no matter what their backgrounds, in being the leaders of tomorrow,” says Michael Wyatt, Bata South Africa, Managing Director.” The opportunity to collaborate with Liberty fits in perfectly with our core values and we hope our contribution leads to getting more pairs of shoes onto more feet!”.
This year the “Winter Shoe Drive” is targeting Grades 1 and 2 from twenty disadvantaged schools country wide. Liberty employees pledge a financial contribution and Bata provides the school shoes at cost price.
“With each year that Liberty runs this campaign, the level of participation from our staff is very inspiring,” comments Tracey Unser, Divisional Executive: Corporate Citizenship.“This, coupled with the support from Bata, whose values around education align well with Liberty’s, means that we can make a real difference!”
In addition to the provision of shoes, employees from both organisations will be participating in the virtual “Read Aloud” sessions, where they will read from a digital book, to children via the Zoom platform, allowing the children to see and hear the reader. All the employees who will be reading are volunteers and gladly give of their own time to participate.
