The initiative started as a meaningful drive to collect shoes, of any size, colour or style to assist those most in need. On 13 April, the mall made its third shoe drop-off at Shalimar Ridge Primary School where 128 pairs of shoes were donated to children from grade 0 to grade 7.
Before the centre opened, the owners of the Heidelberg Mall asked communities within Heidelberg how the mall’s social initiatives could best help them. The answer was that shoes could make a big difference in the community.
After being informed that many of the children at Shalimar Ridge Primary lacked basic necessities, including much-needed shoes, the Heidelberg Mall decided to lend its support to hand over shoes donated by shoppers. To ensure the perfect fit, shoes were allocated to each child according to their shoe size.
Many Heidelberg Mall tenants also regularly join in the drive by donating food. This time, Delhi Delicious came on board to donate 150 large pies to children in Shalimar Ridge Primary’s feeding scheme. Bargain Books was also on hand to host an educational and entertaining book-reading session where fun stickers were given to little ones in grade 0 and grade 1, while two goody bags were handed out to each of the children who correctly answered questions from the story book.
“This is just the beginning of the Heidelberg Mall’s involvement in the community,” said Patricia Sefuthi, Heidelberg Mall marketing assistant. “Our aim is to support as many people as we can in the community and make a difference in people’s lives.”
Chris Bendall, Heidelberg Malls GM, who also attended the drop off, added that the success of the shoe collection drive is thanks to the generous support from shoppers. “The continuous support from shoppers and the Heidelberg community has been incredible. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to make a positive contribution and lend our help where it’s needed most,” he said.
To get involved in this community-changing initiative, all you have to do is drop off a pair of shoes – or two, or more – at Heidelberg Mall's centre management offices. The shoes will be then distributed to communities within the greater Heidelberg area.
