PNA and Breadline Africa unite for Funky Socks Day 2023, aiming to revolutionise education in South Africa’s vulnerable communities.
Johannesburg, South Africa (05 September 2023) – South Africa’s renowned stationery and art materials retailer, PNA, is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2023 Funky Socks Day campaign.
What’s even more exciting is that they’ve teamed up with the non-profit organisation, Breadline Africa, to create a powerful initiative aimed at fostering early child development and enhancing schools in vulnerable communities across the nation.
Funky Socks Day is all about making a difference and inspiring friends and family to join in on the fun! For just R10, you can purchase a Funky Socks Day sticker at any PNA store nationwide, and in doing so, you’ll contribute to fundraising efforts for education. Then, mark your calendars for Friday, September 8, 2023, and don your most colourful and eccentric socks to show your commitment to building a brighter future for children in need.
Chantelle Fritz, PNA’s marketing manager, shares, “Our primary mission is to establish safe Early Childhood Development Centers throughout South Africa, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to start their life purposefully and positively. We aim 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 place in our hearts as it aligns with Mandela Day, celebrated on July 18th, symbolizing real and practical change.”
So, what exactly do those Funky Socks Day stickers accomplish?
PNA and Breadline Africa have intensified their efforts this year by taking on the task of constructing additional infrastructure to complete the Lusemanzi Educare Centre, which was established in 1997 in Orange Farm, Gauteng. Currently, the centre operates with insufficient classroom space and only two toilets for its 200 eager learners. Lusemanzi urgently needs functional buildings and extra amenities.
The estimated cost of constructing this additional infrastructure, including ablutions, amounts to R1.5 million.
“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 display at schools, universities, and workplaces on September 8th!
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Breadline Africa has been partnering with PNA for the Funky Socks Day initiative for the past two years, according to Marion Wagner, Director of Breadline Africa.
“By purchasing Funky Socks Day stickers, South Africans have made valuable contributions to the campaign, funding the construction and refurbishment of Early Childhood Development centres in vulnerable communities.”
Over the years, the PNA-Breadline Africa collaboration has successfully raised funds to rebuild five schools across South Africa. Lusemanzi Educare, registered in 1997, has faced its share of challenges, including an arson attack and severe storm damage. However, despite these obstacles, Principal Lorato Duma continues to run a successful centre and is continually improving the learning environment for her students.
Funky Socks Day symbolises hope and progress for recipient schools. The campaign culminates in the handover of improved classrooms and amenities, providing a better learning environment for children.
Wagner notes, “To date, we have provided more than 1,000 converted shipping containers 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.”
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! There’s an exciting competition where three lucky schools have the chance to each win R5000.00. To enter, all you need to do is purchase Funky Socks Day stickers from your nearest PNA store and showcase your school’s fantastic spirit by rocking those funky socks. Capture a photo or video of your school demonstrating their enthusiasm for Funky Socks Day and share it on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #RockYourFunkySocks and tag PNA-Colour Your World. Don’t miss this opportunity to support your school and showcase your creativity!
In addition to PNA’s efforts, Sock Doctor has pledged a significant contribution to Funky Socks Day by partnering with PNA and supporting Breadline Africa. For every active PNA store with a Sock Doctor stand on Funky Socks Day, the company will donate 250 pairs of school socks to a school of choice.
Fritz adds, “In the spirit of giving ’til our socks drop off, participants get to embrace our Funky Socks Day by wearing a pair of vibrant socks to work and school on September 8, 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.”
Get ready to rock your Funky Socks and be a part of this inspiring initiative that’s making real change happen in South Africa!
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