Dario's "Soleful" Mission to Collect Shoes Takes 1 Million Steps of Kindness!

Photo Credit: Brent Lindeque

Dario Gouveia, a young South African, ignited a movement of compassion. Inspired by the sight of a child begging barefoot, he began collecting shoes to donate to those in need. What started as a small act of kindness has blossomed into a nationwide initiative, Sole2Sole. A cause that has donated over one million pairs of shoes to South Africans facing poverty and hardship.

Johannesburg, South Africa (17 December 2024) – From the moment a much younger Dario Gouveia noticed a child barefoot and begging for money at the robots, something stirred in him. A feeling of sheer compassion came over him. Dario was compelled to not only part ways with some of his beloved shoes to help another child in need but to go out of his way to do the same for many more others. When making excuses to help others comes way too easily for some, Dario chose to go out of his way to make a difference.

And just like that, Sole2Sole was born in 2017 – the brainchild of a then nine-year-old with a heart far bigger than his shoes. He gathered every pair of shoes he could find and, with his sister Liana’s help, started collecting shoes for others who needed them more.

Fast forward almost nine years later, Dario has made it his “sole” mission to help put shoes on countless South Africans in need while simultaneously creating the most profound ripple effect on others to do the same.

Since its inception, Sole2Sole has grown to help people beyond its local area, providing support to those in need at orphanages, shelters, hospitals, and underprivileged schools throughout Gauteng. From soccer boots fueling a future star’s dream to school shoes empowering a determined pupil and work boots providing dignity for the daily grind, Sole2Sole has brought relief, comfort, and peace of mind to so many South Africans.

Recently, the shoe drive celebrated the remarkable milestone of donating over one million pairs of shoes that have touchingly landed on the hands and feet of the most needy of South Africans this year. A feat not just worthy of celebration, but one that tugs particularly deeply in Dario’s heart.

“Sole2Sole means a lot to me because it’s relatable. It started with a small boy similar to my age and it made me realise how spoilt in a sense and how much a pair of shoes really means to those in need. It’s not a big burden on us if we just go and help the less fortunate. It also taught me a lot and helped me bond with my friends at school. After school on a Friday we come together to sort through shoes and have a good time together,” Dario shares with us.

Dario also touched on how the organisation has formed strong bonds and has seen many other people run the shoe drive in their own capacity at their schools and communities with a common goal in mind.

This young man’s story is one that resonates deeply too with Good Things Guy as it marks one of the first stories honouring our real-life everyday heroes. A story that would propel his efforts to do good and bring hope to so many who desperately need it.

“Brent and the Good Things Guy platform gave us the “Boots” we needed for walking. Almost 8 years down the line, with the assistance of our generous donors, our precious volunteers and Sole2Sole continue to put shoes on the feet of millions of South Africans,” the NPO shared online.
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