By Jo Giles
For the past seven years, Footprints 4 Sam’s “Super Sam Hero” vehicle initiative has been a vital support system for children and their families living with chronic or life-limiting illnesses. These days, many families simply cannot afford transport to important medical appointments that are so essential in their journey of care. Fortunately, that is where the “Super Sam Hero” initiative is able to support them, chauffeuring young patients and their caregivers daily to and from government hospitals and clinics in Cape Town.
The vehicles are generously provided by Hertz, and the running costs are supported by incredible donors such as Efficient Group (who sponsors the second Hertz-provided vehicle), GIB that offers insurance and other running costs that are covered by a network of regular donors. The vehicles are also supported administratively by Paedspal, a local paediatric palliative care NGO.
At the heart of this initiative are our dedicated drivers, Humbert Kordom and Sonwabo Mandindi, who do more than just drive. They navigate challenging, crime-affected neighbourhoods to reach families in need, assist children down flights of stairs with their ‘buggies’ (wheelchairs) and prams and safely transport them to essential check-ups, therapy sessions and psychosocial support programmes like music, art therapy, counselling and physiotherapy. With warm smiles and caring hearts, they ensure that every young passenger is treated with dignity, and like the VIP’s they truly are!
A Brand-New Ride for a Life-Changing Journey
Since its inception, this initiative has transported over 13,491 passengers (children and caregivers) and covered more than 382,510 kilometres in service of paediatric healthcare.
Hertz recently handed over a brand-new vehicle to Melissa Williams-Platt, co-founder of Footprints 4 Sam and Sam’s mum, replacing the original ‘bussie’ from 2018 after many faithful years on the road.
“The new vehicle is incredible, and we feel truly spoilt,” says Melissa. “However, it was also emotional saying goodbye to our trusty HF45HFGP van, which has served us so well for the past seven years. Her maiden trip was on 11 June 2018, and despite looking a little worn on the outside, I was so proud to see how clean and well-maintained she was on the inside – a true testament to how much pride Humbert and Sonwabo take in their work.” We are thrilled that our ‘trusty steed’ will continue its charity work with another wonderful charity organisation.”
Despite rising running costs of this key initiative, it is thanks to valued partners like Hertz, Efficient Group, GIB and other amazing regular donors, that Footprints 4 Sam is able to keep the wheels turning and bring smiles to children and their parents, ensuring that every journey is safe, dignified and filled with hope.
“With this new vehicle, Footprints 4 Sam will be able to continue its mission – one trip, one smile andone life-changing journey at a time,” explains Melissa. “It is our dream to expand this core initiative, particularly into Gauteng to service hospitals such as Charlotte Maxeke, Rahima Moosa Mother & Child Hospital, Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic hospital.”
For more information visit www.footprints4sam.org
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For the past seven years, Footprints 4 Sam’s “Super Sam Hero” vehicle initiative has been a vital support system for children and their families living with chronic or life-limiting illnesses.
The post Footprints 4 Sam’s Life Changing Transport Initiative Gets a New Set of Wheels – By Jo Giles appeared first on The Home Of Great South African News. Read More
