Chronicle Editor
Langalakhe Mabena
“BLESSED is the hand that gives for it will receive abundantly.”
The above are the words of thanks by Ekuphumuleni Geriatric Nursing Home’s Sister-in-Charge Milta Nyathi, after the Bulawayo Sneakers Expo crew donated clothes for the elderly on Thursday.
The donation came at a time when the Bulawayo Sneakers Expo crew was making final touch-ups of their third edition of the kicks affair which will be held today at Mystique Gardens in Fourwinds suburb from 11am to 10pm.
Last year, the crew donated 32 pairs of trendy authentic sneakers to Ekuphumuleni from Air Jordans 1 to 12, Nike, Adidas, Yeezys and the latest designs of All-Star Converse. Their recent donations in forms of shoes, pyjamas, trousers, t-shirts and dresses, has established a “friendship which will go a long way.”
The clothes arrived clean at Ekuphumuleni as they were washed and ironed by Fresh ‘n’ Clean Laundromat, a company which volunteered to do the laundry services for the donations.
“It’s a beautiful thing to see young souls visiting us here often and spend some time with us. This is a great sign that shows that there are people out there with an open heart who still feel the needs of the elderly people who are housed here at Ekuphumuleni.
“I understand last year you came here and donated sneakers and they have come a long way in assisting us as our patients were kept warm during the winter season. Your return again this year is clear that you have become part of us and we are happy to welcome you as friends who have become family because your efforts mean a lot to us.
“May God bless you abundantly for the hand that gives is blessed than the one that receives. May the younger
generation out there be inspired by your actions and remember the elderly,” said Milta Nyathi.
Soon after the donations the Sneakers Expo crew was taken on a tour around Ekuphumuleni with Nyathi explaining the day to day activities within the institution.
One of the founders of the Bulawayo Sneakers Expo, Davison “Diva” Feliate said that while the donation of clothes was well received, they still wanted to do more as they had learnt that the home had other pressing needs besides footwear and clothes.
“We don’t want to be people that make a once-off donation, so we did ask that in the event we cannot collect shoes and clothes, if there was anything else that they were always in need of and she (Nyathi) mentioned adult pampers.
“So we will sit down again and engage the young people around us, who can help in ways of doing a campaign to gather pampers for the elderly.
“We are actually making a call-out and drive to stakeholders out there to join hands with us for these (pampers) donation.
“This is something that we really want to tackle because the sister-in-charge impressed on us the need for adult pampers so that the dignity of the elderly is kept intact,” said Feliate.
The Bulawayo Sneakers Expo was established in 2019.
The expo serves as a magnetic gathering point, drawing collectors, suppliers, and footwear designers into a vibrant space where they vie for the ultimate bragging rights.
It is a vibrant celebration of the diverse footwear trends that echo through the streets of the city.
Behind this thrilling event are the passionate individuals who live and breathe kicks; Mlamuli Moyo of Woodies Shack, Mthulisi Moyo of Wood Affair, Leroy Waps and Feliate.
On today’s event, a number of artistes will perform at the gig including Mzistozz Mfanafuthi, DJ Bman, Frost, DJ Liz, Victor Bravo, Feel G, Ash T, Skaiva, Ras Obido, Reno Life, Da Kudu, Kbrizzy as well as DJ Nospa.
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