We partnered with The Sneaker Shack, South Africa’s leading sneaker laundry, for a unique project that made a tangible difference to those who needed a hand.
Lolo Ndlovu, the dedicated founder of The Sneaker Shack, is not only a talented entrepreneur but also a passionate community advocate. Through his initiative, Project Run, The Sneaker Shack collects, cleans and redistributes shoes to people who need them. The recent floods in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, made the need even greater, which is when Ignition Group stepped up to do what they could.
On 18 July 2023, inspired by the deeds of Madiba, hundreds of Ignitioners at our Head Office in Umhlanga brought in their pre-loved shoes, happy to be making a small contribution to a great need. Throughout the day, the Piazza echoed with the sounds of music, laughter and togetherness as Ignitioners showed up with their contributions, and by the end of the day our collection boxes were filled them to the brim. We collected over 200 pairs of gently worn shoes!
The Sneaker Shack played an important role in ensuring that the donated shoes were not only collected but also cleaned and refurbished free of charge, adding a touch of care to each pair and ensuring that the shoes were in great condition when they found their way to new owners.
The destination for these refurbished shoes was The Bhambayi Project in Inanda, a community-based initiative that provides various resources for orphans and vulnerable children, as well as their guardians. The impact of our contribution really made a difference, reaching those who needed it the most and creating a sense of community support that goes beyond monetary value.
To show appreciation for their generosity, every Ignitioner who donated shoes received a R100 voucher to spend at any of The Sneaker Shack’s 11 stores nationwide. This small gesture was a great way to show thanks and also encourage a positive cycle of giving within our Ignition community.
Our involvement in community projects holds immense significance for Ignition, especially considering that many of our team members come from these local communities. Seeing the impact on the lives of our teams, their families and the broader community resonates deeply with our business values. This shoe collection initiative is not a standalone event but an important part of our larger vision for community development.
Ignition Group supports its communities in a number of ways, through initiatives such as this one, our long-term partnerships with The Learn Project and the SPCA, and our impact resourcing initiatives that give jobs to members of marginalised communities, making a meaningful impact and creating lasting change in the lives of those who need it most.
As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to corporate social responsibility remains strong and showcases our belief that a happy and thriving community is the backbone of a successful business. We can’t wait host our next initiative and be part of more exciting changes in our communities.
