Music and Sport Come together for Charity

As a nation we know that through music and sport we unite. A magnificent goal or a brilliant save can unite the nation; a moving song can bring together the world’s inhabitants. This was proven again when Sport stars; Siphiwe Tshabalala with Itumeleng Khune and platinum selling musician Brickz Mabrigado (Sipho Ndlovu) joined hands for the greater good lending their skills to the underprivileged. They were invited to the camp by the Food Group, Taste Holdings, who not only sponsor this camp financially but they also supplied the campers and volunteers with some delicious Maxi’s burgers and Fish and Chip Co. Hot Dogs. Each kid also received a goodie bag and a NWJ gift. The team from Maxi’s and Fish and Chip Co also spent the day with the campers and enjoyed a day out of the office enjoying sport and music.

The three idols took time off their hectic schedules Thursday afternoon and travelled to Hammaskraal (50 ks North of Pretoria) to spend time with over 80 disadvantaged children from various charities. The kids were in a week longs camp hosted by Just Footprints Foundation at the Dinokeng / Kwalata Game reserve.

On arrival at the camp, each personality was given an opportunity to relay a message to the kids. Brickz asked the kids to trust in God whilst Itumeleng Khune encouraged the kids to remain strong and have hope. When the opportunity came for Siphiwe, he said; “I know that there are challenges out there, the only way you can conquer is by believing in yourselves. With our support as the nation, you can make it”

After the formalities, the players and the campers braved the hot sun and went to the local neighbourhood, Steve Biko for so some exercising tips. At the soccer fields, the delegation was met and welcomed by the excited members of the community who requested autographs and pictures. Itumeleng Khune used the time give goalkeeping tips to the talented local keeper.

The final leg of the visit was at the TLC Old Age Home which is a few meters from the soccer fields. At the home, the three personalities were given wisdom and advice by the grandparents. Brickz, who led the campers and players in singing spiritual songs, was touched by the advice he received. “in most cases, we are the ones that give advise but this time, we were educated by those that have walked the path”

Lindy Nieuwenhuzien who is a director at Just Footprints said “The Foundation’s objective is to provide children, who have been denied normal childhood play, with a camp experience that they would have to forgo because of the challenges they face. The camp lived up to the expectation when the kids received an experience of a lifetime, that of meeting and getting first hand advice form their role-models. We are grateful that Siphiwe together with Brickz and Itumeleng were able to assist us in making the camp memorable. We are privileged to have Taste holdings as a partner; they have made it possible for us to host this camp”

One of the campers, Katlego Kope, who was celebrating his 9^th birthday, received personalised gloves from Itumeleng Khune. Katlego who was grateful, said the gloves will help remind him that he is special. “I got to play my favourite sport which is soccer, swim, and slide on the BIG slide with water, I also got gloves form one of the greatest goal keepers. I am truly privileged” he said in collusion.

The next camp will be held in November for a group of different campers and different Volunteers who have taken time out of their studies to volunteer and work with the children at camp for a week. Not only are they making a difference but I know that without a doubt, they will take this experience forward

About Just Footprints

The Just Footprints Foundation is a Non-Profit Organisation, a Public Benefit Organisation with which was founded in February 2008 specifically to meet the need for a unique outdoor educational camping experience that would provide safe and secure adventures, at no cost, for children with serious health and life challenges.

The founding members of the Just Footprints Foundation are CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, The Reach For A Dream Foundation (children with life-threatening illnesses), Cotlands (children infected/affected with HIV) and the Hope (Ithemba) Trust (special needs children).

The Just Footprints Foundation’s vision is to provide a special journey of life-changing experiences for each child that will leave an imprint on their hearts with hope for the future. In turn, each child will leave an imprint of their footprint at the camp in support of those who will follow.