Lace up for Tekkie Tax Day

Come May 27, South Africans will let their feet speak for their hearts.

On that Friday, funky footwear is in order, as National Tekkie Tax Day returns for the third consecutive year.

“Choose your sticker for a cause close to your heart, spunk up your tekkies with a funky pair of shoelaces, and you’re ready!” explained Zandrea Badenhorst, on behalf of Tekkie Tax.

The campaign was launched in 2013, when a handful of South Africa’s most renowned welfare organisations joined forces.

Marieta Kemp, Social Services Director of the SAVF, elaborated: “The large number of welfare organisations involved, helps us to keep the cost structure low, to ensure the maximum of donations can be used by us, to deliver our services at grassroots level.”

There are currently 11 national beneficiaries, representing more than 1000 non-profit bodies.

This includes Epilepsy SA, Child Welfare SA, SOS Children’s Villages, CHOC Foundation, Special Olympics SA, CANSA, Imisebeyelanga Services, Meals on Wheels, VVA, NG Welsyn and the SAVF.

Altogether, Tekkie Tax has raised more than R13,7 million.

“We used the Tekkie Tax donations to serve people with epilepsy and other disabilities in our residential care facilities,” said Gary Westwood, Director of Epilepsy SA for the Free State and North West.

Imisebeyelanda Services used its donations to purchase tables and chairs for some of its Early Childhood Development centres, while Samaritan’s Feet SA bought shoes for the needy.

The list is long, said organisers, and these were but a few examples.

“There is really no excuse not to participate in this year’s campaign. The stickers (R10 each) are available at all Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores, and Tekkie Tag shoelaces (R35 each) can be purchased at all Clicks stores.”

There are also more than 250 participating non-profit organisations selling Tekkie Tax goodies, collectively urging all South Africans to join the fun.

Alternatively, you can place orders on the Tekkie Tax website – www.tekkietax.co.za

“Walk the extra mile for a welfare organisation close to your heart, by wearing your sticker of choice on May 27. There is no excuse not to put your best foot forward and support National Tekkie Tax Day!”