A hopeful ballerina will get her chance to perform at a local showcase after Play It Forward Jozi, and a generous donor collaborated to get her new ballet clothing for the event.
Cosmo City, South Africa (14 September 2022) – “Play It Forward”, a student-founded organisation collecting sporting equipment for underprivileged children and teens, recently made a little ballerina’s dream a reality.
8-year-old Klhoe from Cosmo City was invited to join a ballet showcase and was in need of a new ballet leotard, shoes and tights to match the other dancers from various dance schools. Her granny Mildred reached out to Growing Champions, who then called on Play It Forward with the special request in the hope that they had some ballet items to share. The family didn’t have the funds to purchase the items, so hoped there was a donation that could fit the little ballerina.
What unfolded from the request has been incredibly heartwarming!
High schooler Ross Garrett teamed up with his school friends in 2018 to make a difference in underprivileged communities when he was in primary school. They set up Play It Forward Jozi to make a difference in South Africa.
The boys decided to collect second-hand sporting equipment that could be sent to underprivileged children, schools and sporting clubs. They started collecting takkies and sports shoes, racquets, bats, hockey sticks, golf clubs, gloves and balls.
Over the years, they have kitted out many teams, including Central Joburg Blind Cricket, Alexandra Hub Cricket Club, and many more! Ross’s mother, Alison Garrett, has played a vital role in managing where the donations go, connecting the collections with the people who need them most.
The request for help with ballet items was a first for the organisation. Alison shared that she had just collected a box of goods from a regular donor when she noticed a pair of ballet tights in the box. She paused, realising that they could be used for the little ballerina. It was a sign that they could make this wish a reality!
Knowing a few moms whose daughters did ballet, she reached out to see if any had some secondhand items to pass along. One of the daughters, a Grade 11 learner from King David High School in Victory Park, Vivienne Levitz, was moved to take action. While she didn’t have any items that would fit the hopeful 8-year-old, she asked the Play It Forward team if she could donate funds towards a new leotard, tutu and any sundries that could be afforded.
Play It Forward very rarely accepts monetary donations, but to ensure this young dancer got what she needed, they agreed and went to purchase the items needed. Alison went to “That’s Dancing“, a shop close to her office, and when she shared what she needed the items for, the owner gave a discount on the items which meant they could get everything needed.
One of the requirements for the upcoming showcase is to have navy blue ballet clothing. Now the little ballerina has both pink and blue in her collection, thanks to the generous donations sent to Play It Forward Jozi. She has brand-new leather ballet shows, a navy blue leotard and tutu and two pairs of pink ballet tights.
Below, she shows off her participation medal from 2021. She is very excited that she can now take part in the 2022 showcase as well.
The organisation continues to collect sporting goods that are gathering dust in people’s garages and bedrooms. So should you have sporting goods to share, you can reach out via Facebook here.