Emeris Ruimsig Collaborates With My Walk This Mandela Day

This Mandela Day, Emeris is proud to collaborate with My Walk, Love Cities, and Run/Walk For Life to host a fundraising 5km walk and run. A proudly South African non-profit initiative which provides learners with access to durable school shoes.

My Walk’s research shows that millions of South African children do not have school shoes and that many of them walk to school barefoot. The lack of adequate footwear remains a significant barrier to learning for many South African children.

My Walk transforms uncontaminated, single use PVC medical waste, such as IV bags and tubing, into high quality school shoes for children as a gift of dignity.

Dr Rika Swanzen (Emeris Deputy Dean of Community Engagement) explains why Emeris chose to collaborate with My Walk: “The choice of My Walk made with Soul as a beneficiary and partner for our event was a natural one. My Walk Made with Soul isn’t just a charity, it’s a movement - one that stands at the intersection of environmental innovation, social justice and economic upliftment. Knowing that at least a million children walk to school barefoot inspired a goal to provide one million pairs of school shoes. My Walk passed the 400 000 mark on this goal. Through this event, Emeris aims to increase the number even further”.

Members of the public are encouraged to register, bring family and friends, and spend their Mandela Day taking steps towards a future where every child has access to the dignity and opportunity that a pair of school shoes can provide. To honour the 67 Mandela Day minutes, all those finishing within 67 minutes will be entered into a lucky draw that will take place 67 minutes after the start time. There will also be medals for the first 500 finishers, with consolation prizes for the next 100 finishers. Tickets can be purchased through this Quicket link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/360514-my-walk-emeris/#/about.

Emeris believes that financial circumstances should never stand in the way of potential. The My Walk collaboration aligns closely with Emeris’ Be Your Best philosophy, which encourages every student to reach their full potential academically, professionally and personally.

By supporting My Walk, Emeris is extending this philosophy beyond its campuses, helping learners in under resourced communities access opportunities that many take for granted.

"Education is a powerful tool for transformation. We are investing in the future of South Africa's children by helping ensure that no learner is prevented from attending school or reaching their potential because they lack something as basic as a pair of shoes. This event reflects our commitment to sustainability, education, and empowering communities to be their best”, concluded Swanzen.