The sneaker culture has defined the youth’s style and has been a timeless memento for many.
Hector Dibakoane has found a way to use sneakers to make a change for those less fortunate.
He told the EXPRESS that the reason he chose sneakers was because many dream of having a pair when they grow up and many can relate to them.
“We chose to use sneakers because it’s something we were directly affected by. We’ve experienced the feeling of not having sneakers and the feeling of happiness and confidence from having sneakers.
“This made us think of the less fortunate, children at orphanages where the guardians and caretakers focus more on important things such as food, shelter, clothing and other needs. We chose sneakers because a lot of people can relate to our cause and be willing to help make a change, Sole to Soul,” said Hector.
Hector, who is also known as Xquizfire, aims to inspire others using art and sneakers.
Art is his passion just like sneakers are passion to many (and also to him).
He decided to join the two and make sneakers on canvas.
“The sneakers on canvas is a promotional campaign for sneaker4change. The Xquizifired collection of sneakers on canvas comes in an A2 size.
“We sell them and this is a way we raise money for the sneaker organisation. We also aim to uplift the sneaker culture and art,” said Hector.
Sneaker4change was established in 2012 by Calvin Zulu.
The aim was to collect and donate sneakers to the less fortunate.
“The organisation has grown since then. We receive support from schools, universities, artists and community. We have also hosted art events where we ask for sneakers as an entrance fee and also encourage people to donate at the events.
“The sneakers can be second-hand or new,” said Hector.
Hector says a number of things inspired him to make the sneakers on canvas campaign.
“The canvas inspiration comes from the love of art and photography, how a picture or painting hanging on a wall can change someone’s mood, arouse happiness and bring a wall or an entire room to life just because of one art piece.
“A lack of funding also played its part in inspiring me. We have achieved what we have today solely on internal funding from ourselves.
“Instead of complaining I had to think out of the box on how we can raise funds to keep the organisation going,” said Hector.
Hector added that it was important for organisations such as theirs to find ways to sustain themselves.
He said they will continue with the sneaker culture and use it to inspire young people and adults as it will bridge a gap and allow the two generations to understand each other.
“I like sending positive messages, love and happiness. As a youth there are a lot of things that can lead us astray but we need to unite and spread positivity in our communities.
“Let’s be the change we would like to see, let’s show love to the next person, we need to stop being selfish and spread love. When you do good, you feel good, life is a whole lot better when you focus on being happy and spreading happiness,” said Hector.
The Sneaker on Canvas campaign will entail a raffle ticket competition and a free give away of the canvas to schools and universities.
For information on the campaign contact Hector on 081 5750 013 or Sibusiso on 071 0439 288 alternatively e-mail to lodxquizit@gmail.com or sneaker4change@gmail.com
