The FNB Volunteers were encouraged to walk barefoot for a day to raise funds to show support for millions of children without school shoes.

“Many children walk to school with no shoes. We often overlook certain basic necessities in life and we believe that the school shoes - particularly in the drive up to winter - will make a difference in the lives of the children. The FNB Smart Loans team has been involved in raising funds for the Protea South Primary School since 2010, wherein a fully fitted kitchen was donated to the school. We are grateful for the contribution and work that they are doing to raise funds for a tangible and critical contribution to the children of ... the community,” says Bridget Harris, Manager of the FNB Volunteers.

Many of the Protea South pupils come from families struggling to earn a living and the majority are from informal settlements facing with harsh socio–economic challenges.

“Our school serves children from informal settlements in the area. The FNB volunteers have blessed the school children with school shoes and we are thankful for this contribution. I wish you could see what a difference it is going to make to these kids”, said Simon Mabaso, principal of Protea South Primary School.

The FNB staff volunteers are making a difference, by identifying schools and charities that are in need of assistance. “We are committed to making a meaningful impact within the communities we operate in. Not only are we very proud of our staff who have worked with a common purpose to make this project a reality, but we also salute the school and the community who have joined hands with us to ensure that the project will remain sustainable,” concludes Harris.