Flanagan and Gerard, and Bathu help school children put their best foot forward
The Flanagan and Gerard Foundation supports the Bathu Cares Foundation and shares Bathu’s commitment to donate 1 million pairs of shoes within 10 years.
Flanagan and Gerard Foundation, based in Morningside, partnered with Bathu Care Foundation and donated new shoes to over 600 children from three Alexandra township schools.
The initiative aimed to protect the children from winter’s chill and make their walk to school easier.
Less physical discomfort facilitates better focus in class, encouraging improved educational results.
Not only are the shoes a perfect fit for the kids (they have been specifically sized for each recipient), but the initiative is a perfect pairing of purpose-driven players in South African retail.
Flanagan & Gerard is a retail property developer and investor who brings much-needed infrastructure and amenities to communities nationwide in partnership with leading retailers.
Homegrown Bathu Shoes is one of South Africa’s most exciting up-and-coming retail businesses. Loved by locals, the footwear brand’s success from humble beginnings is truly inspirational.
The initiative sought out three local schools within the township that required assistance and coordinated with each principal. The schools are Emfundisweni Primary School, led by Principal Thembakazi Giyama; Minerva High School, with Principal Nonsikelelo Tsatsi; and Realogile Secondary School, headed by Principal Matthews Choshi.
609 children from these schools were delighted to receive genuine leather Bathu shoes with a black matt finish designed to look great, be durable, and be easy to maintain.
At the handover, Paul Gerard, Managing Director of Flanagan and Gerard, said, “We are grateful to work on this remarkable project alongside Bathu and the schools, and we look forward to continuing to make a positive impact.”
Cedric Diphoko, Managing Director of Bathu, added, “We are deeply committed to supporting our communities, and this school project holds a special place in our hearts. It is through partnerships like these that we can make a lasting impact and bring about positive change.”
Diphoko confirmed that this initiative has brought Bathu’s donation of shoes in various communities to 70,000 pairs so far.
“This would not be possible without this collaboration, which enables us to provide a platform for individuals to embark on their transformative journeys.”
“We wholeheartedly align ourselves with this school project in the firm belief that shoes play a vital role as they accompany you on every step of your education journey, and feeling comfortable and confident in the school environment is paramount,” said Nkateko Khoza, the Non-executive Director of Flanagan and Gerard.
Emfundisweni Primary School principal, Thembakazi Giyama, said, “This partnership holds deep significance for us. We stand together in our commitment to education and progress.”
Realogile Secondary School Principal Matthews Choshi explained, “Our school is situated in an area facing significant socioeconomic challenges, and many of our learners have struggled with not having proper school uniforms. Today, thanks to the generous donation of shoes, we can ensure that our learners no longer have to face any embarrassment.”
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