Funky Socks Day was created by Breadline Africa and it helps raise funds for educational facilities in South Africa while wearing those fun socks you have waiting in your sock box.
South Africa (18 August 2023) – The 8th of September is Funky Socks Day and the funds raised go towards Breadline Africa, an organisation that is changing early child development and improving schools in vulnerable communities across the country.
Earlier this year, Breadline Africa celebrated the installation of its 1000th educational facility in 5 years. These facilities go a long way in uplifting early childhood development centres, giving them the facilities needed to provide a well-rounded education to children.
Over the years, Breadline Africa have installed classrooms, kitchens, libraries and bathrooms. Each unit has been a work of dedication and commitment to uplifting education in South Africa’s most vulnerable communities.
The FUNKY SOCKS DAY campaign is hoping you will help make a difference – and encourage your friends and family to join in! Buy a participating sticker for just R10 at any PNA store nationwide and you’ll support fund raising for education. Then, ROCK your FUNKY SOCKS on Friday 8 September 2023 and show your commitment to building a brighter future for children in need.
“Our primary purpose is to build safe Early Childhood Development Centres throughout South Africa, giving every child the opportunity to start life purposefully and positively. It is our goal to upgrade existing schools and construct new ones to provide quality education for children aged one to six years old. FUNKY SOCKS DAY holds a special significance as the campaign is launched around Mandela Day, which falls on 18th July – a day symbolising real and practical change.” – Chantelle Fritz, PNA marketing manager
This year, funds raised through the sock day will help to complete the Lusemanzi Educare Centre, which was established in 1997 in Orange Farm, Gauteng. Currently operating out of insufficient classroom space and only two toilets for its’ 200 learners, Lusemanzi urgently requires functional buildings and extra amenities.
Over the years, the registered school has suffered both an arson attack and severe storm damage. But despite these challenges, its’ principal Lorato Duma continues to run a successful centre and is continuously improving the environment for her learners.
To add the needed facilities, Breadline hopes to raise R1.5 million, which equates to selling 150,000 stickers. It sounds like a lot but if your school or workplace all take part, that’s hundreds of stickers already contributing towards this goal.
“This means we must sell just 150,000 stickers to ensure the little ones have a safe, warm facility to learn and grow in,” says Fritz. “Imagine all those FUNKY SOCKS on show at school, university and work on 8 September?”
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“So far, the PNA-Breadline Africa collaboration on the FUNKY SOCKS DAY campaign has successfully raised funds to rebuild five schools throughout South Africa.” – Marion Wagner, Director Breadline Africa
“To date, we have provided more than 1,000 converted shipping container and prefabricated facilities to resource-poor communities across the country and our impact extends to more than 250,000 children.
“We believe every child has the capacity to do something amazing with their life. When a child’s imagination is unlocked, possibilities are opened up to enable them to choose a path for their own future,” she says. “None of this would be possible without the support of our donors, one of whom is South African company, PNA, which has generously committed funding and time to work with us to improve the lives of South Africa’s children.”
To make the day even more fun, Breadline is hosting a competition for schools that get involved. Three lucky schools have the opportunity to each win R5000.00 for having a Funky Socks Day and sharing the fun on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #RockYourFunkySocks and tag PNA-Colour Your World.
Fritz ends: “In the spirit of giving ’til our socks drop off, participants get to embrace our FUNKY SOCKS DAY side by wearing a pair of vibrant socks to work and school on 8 September 2023. Buy your stickers, challenge your schoolmates to do the same – and join PNA and Breadline Africa in rocking your FUNKY SOCKS while making a lasting impact on the lives of South African children. Together, we can build a brighter future through education.”
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