The Company We Keep: Liebie Du Plessis and the Santa Shoebox Project
The Company We Keep is a column on the CN&CO blog that profiles some of the most interesting people in our networks. Here we share the details of the lives of people we know, showcasing the extraordinary diversity of our society and proving that people truly are at the heart of everything we do.
This post is by Liebie Du Plessis of Mulberry Marketing.
I’ve always been a firm believer that the best way to celebrate the festive season is by giving – not just gifts, but moments of joy, kindness and that undeniable sparkle of hope. And that’s why, for over 11 years, I’ve been an avid supporter of the Santa Shoebox Project. Those who know me can probably tell you a story or two about how passionately I encourage clients, friends and family to join this initiative that brings so much happiness to children in need.
But maybe I should start off by sharing a little history on the Santa Shoebox Project… This incredible initiative kicked off in 2006 and has grown into a massive annual drive that provides lovingly packaged gift boxes to underprivileged children across South Africa and Namibia. The numbers are jaw-dropping! Since its inception, the project has distributed over one million boxes – each one personally pledged and thoughtfully packed by an individual donor. That’s more than a million smiles created by ordinary people, like you and me, choosing to make a small but meaningful difference.
This year, the goal is set to deliver 125,000 boxes to children who might not receive gifts otherwise. It’s not just gifts either – some of the kids on the list rely on the basics included such as basic toiletries and school stationery. We’ve heard beautiful stories of kids sharing within their families and communities, even though they have so very little themselves. Just trust me, seeing the impact of those brightly decorated boxes, each packed with care, love and a dash of magic, is nothing short of heartwarming.
One of my most cherished memories involves a personal mission. A week before my wedding, with the usual pre-wedding whirlwind in full swing, I thought I had everything ticked off my list – including my Santa Shoebox pledges, which I’d already packed and handed in at my local drop-off. But then, a last-minute plea came through from the Santa Shoebox Project, asking for more donations in the Western Cape. Even though children’s names had been released, there simply weren’t enough pledges.
So what did we do? Naturally, my (then) future mother-in-law and I sprang into action! We packed a few more boxes and added them to the already-loaded wedding cars, ensuring they’d reach the children on our way to the big day, all the way from Johannesburg to the Western Cape. (Because, honestly, what’s one more small adventure when you’re about to get married, right?)
And, credit where it’s due, I have my wonderful mother-in-law to thank for introducing me to the Santa Shoebox Project in the first place. She’s just as enthusiastic about it as I am – usually starting to collect items for next year’s boxes the moment she’s handed in her current ones. She’s truly the epitome of what this project is all about: continuous generosity and kindness.
Every year, it’s a family tradition to decorate our boxes with care, and since becoming a mom, this tradition has become even more special. Now, I always pledge at least one box for a child my son’s age. He helps me choose items – toothbrushes, stationery, toys – and we pack them together, making it a fun activity that also teaches him the importance of kindness and giving. There’s nothing quite like watching your child understand that joy doesn’t just come from receiving but also from giving.
My love for this project goes beyond just packing boxes. I volunteer as a gift checker every year. (Yes, even during the height of Covid, masks and all!) It’s amazing to see the thoughtfulness that goes into these gifts. From heartfelt, handwritten notes to handmade touches – some boxes are absolute masterpieces of love and care. It never fails to remind me that humanity is capable of such beautiful generosity. It’s also the perfect way to start the festive season in our house.
If you’re looking for a way to give back this festive season, or simply want to make a difference in a child’s life, I can’t recommend the Santa Shoebox Project enough. Whether you pledge a box, volunteer at a local drop-off, or even just spread the word – every bit of effort adds up and helps make the world a little brighter.
Pledging is already open, and with the end-of-October deadline fast approaching (depending on your region), now is the perfect time to get involved. Visit www.santashoebox.org.za to learn more, choose a child to spoil, and kick-start your festive season with a dash of kindness.
Let’s spread the joy, one shoebox at a time!