Widowed And Single Parents (W.A.S.P) have sponsored 960 pairs of school shoes, comprising boys and girls shoes from sizes 12 up to 9, to underprivileged children in schools in Merebank, Clairwood, Sarnia, Bluff, Chatsworth and Verulam.
W.A.S.P was founded in May 2018 and registered as a non-profit organisation with Department of Social Development. Their goal is to serve humanity and make a positive difference in others' lives.
“We have been granted Section 18A tax status with SARS. Donors will receive a donation certificate to be submitted with their income taxes. Wasp is BBBEE-certified," said Brian Naidoo, the chairperson of W.A.S.P.
“Our target market is single, divorced, widowed parents who have dependants, senior citizens, the unemployed and homeless, those who are physically and mentally challenged, as well as children's and adults’ homes. We repair wheelchairs, walking aids and crutches. We also assist schools and homes in our area," said Naidoo.
He said the school shoe initiative started when they applied to Bata and were successful in securing 960 pairs of shoes.
“The shoes were allocated and have been distributed in a record of seven days in the second last week of August. We delivered the shoes to schools and the school management will distribute them to the necessary learners."
The recipients were from schools including: Alipore Primary, Junagarth Primary, Nizam Road Primary, St Mary's Primary, Ganges Secondary, Merebank High and Durban South Primary. Naidoo said 290 other recipients who were vetted on their database would also receive the shoes.
Naidoo added that since they established, they have been involved in bread and vitamin drives as well as sanitary pad projects, handing out adult diapers, and monthly food hampers among others. They have also donated data to Telkom mobile users to help them find work and for pupils to complete projects.
“We do charity work on a daily basis. We are looking at a bread drive and require sponsors."
For information, email [email protected]