Johannesburg, 10 February 2026: Every journey starts with a step, and for 67 little learners in Johannesburg, those first steps just got a whole lot brighter. Design Quarter recently brought a little extra joy to young learners in grades 1 to 3 with the handover of 67 pairs of school shoes. The donation was a simple gesture with a real impact, providing support to children who needed it most while celebrating the power of collaboration.
Supporting Learners and Local Business
The initiative was made possible thanks to the generosity of Design Quarter’s partners and stores, who all clubbed together to support. Sandy Turner, EMK Links Gallery, Salsa, WellTech and Summit OOH all contributed to raising over R11 000. The shoes were procured from Inkanyiso School Shoes, a proudly South African social enterprise that provides quality, locally manufactured shoes to learners in under-resourced communities. This meant the handover will not only help young children but also support a local business committed to education.
A Partnership That Makes a Difference
With guidance from an organisation inside Design Quarter and NPO partner Starfish Greathearts Foundation, the centre ensured the shoes reached 67 learners from a disadvantaged school in Diepsloot. The handover has given these young learners real support and a small boost of confidence, showing that thoughtful actions, even simple ones, can make a real difference.
The campaign highlighted how community, care and collaboration can combine to create something meaningful. For Design Quarter, it was a chance to support both education and local enterprise while celebrating the ways everyone can contribute to making life a little easier for those around them.
For more information about Design Quarter and its retailers, visit the mall’s website at designquarter.co.za.