Footprints 4 Sam Super Sam Hero Vehicle Project

As I write this report I continue to marvel at the dedication and commitment of our Super Sam Hero Vehicle team through the worst 18+ months that many in the world have ever experienced.

Since our last report our one driver was ill with Covid-19 and many of the teams of health professionals we work with have been forced to stay home to recuperate.  As South Africa's Covid-19 positivity rate now starts to fall following a devastating third wave of Covid-19, where so many have lost their loved ones, we are still very proud to report that we have continued to supply transportation to hospitals and clinics with our dedicated two minibuses for the children and families that so desperately need us.  Both Covid-19 and increased taxi violence in the areas we operate have restricted services but not halted them, because our beneficiary families rely heavily on Footprints 4 Sam to ensure their children’s adherence to treatment and continuity of care in terms of being able to attend their follow up appointments and to arrive timeously.  During the last 18 months and more, safety protocols have been paramount in terms of this all important service and both vehicles have been fitted with safety screens between the drivers and the families and strict hygiene safety protocols are followed daily.

We have also continued to transport health professionals to our beneficiaries homes when they have not been able to travel at this challenging time and we have also continued to deliver chronic medication where needed.  

Many of our beneficiary families have had the added stress of increased poverty levels due to increased unemployment as a result of the pandemic and during this past period we were also able to supply 140 Super Sam Hero Food Buckets and 40 Super Sam Hero Toiletry Buckets for our beneficiaries nationally.  140 Food Buckets equates to approximately 23 000 meals.   Literally making an impact one meal at a time.  The two minibuses make these buckets easier to deliver together with the transport company Triton Express that supports us with national bucket deliveries.

The true impact of the two “Sam busses” is immeasurable.  The “Sam busses” as they are known by the children, who have been heard to say: "Call Sam we are ready to go home," continue to ensure that children and families have one less worry in these extraordinary times.  The “Sam Busses” continue to restore hope and dignity, ensuring that these incredible families know that they are cared for, that they are important and that they are not alone and not forgotten.  

Our team has braved Covid.  They have braved increased violence in the areas in which they operate and they are heroes in my eyes.

We thank you for supporting this incredible service and our hero drivers that continue to impact lives one kilometre at a time.

As I sign off the Sam busses collectively have transported: 5681 passengers, done 3541 trips and travelled over 164 000 kms.

Please take care,

Melissa 

(Sam’s Mum).

Links:

• Footprints 4 Sam Website

Dear Donors

Wow, for an initiative that started with a big dream and a vision just 3 years ago, we are incredibly proud of the impact our Super Sam Hero Vehicle Initiative has made in the lives of the most vulnerable of vulnerable, namely underprivileged children with a life limiting or life threatening illness.  

From no vehicles to two full time mini busses in Cape Town, South Africa - we have as of end April 2021 achieved the following impressive results where our incredible drivers have:-

- Done 3154 trips from family’s homes to hospitals and clinics

- Transported 5117 passengers (children and caregivers)

- Travelled 145 941 kilometres

and our dedicated drivers have done this with a smile and have ensured VIP treatment for families that are struggling each day to simply survive.

It is our honour and a privilege and we wish we could share more of the impact of this incredible initiative, which is often so difficult to convey without you actually joining us in one of our vehicles.  To try and bring you into the vehicles remotely see attached some of the parent’s words of thanks in the attached infographic and the little video made of one of our beautiful young and incredibly brave beneficiaries.

Their words are far more powerful than anything else that we could do or say.

Let our beneficiaries speak for themselves and I am sure their words will melt your hearts as they do ours every single day.  

South Africa is currently experiencing a third wave of Covid and it is at this time where vaccines are still only just starting to be rolled out that our Super Sam Hero Vehicles are able to add that extra level of safety and comfort to our young passenger's journeys.  Because of this incredible initiative these vulnerable children are able to avoid crowded public transport and the obvious accompanying anxiety for them and their parents.  Through this life changing initiative our drivers can ensure timeous collection for the many children we serve and their caregivers getting them to their hospital and clinic appointments in good time, safely and with care, dignity and love.

Enjoy and please stay safe out there 

Warm wishes,

Melissa (Sam's Mum)

Links:

• A Beautiful Thank You Video Note