- Camps Bay residents joined a symbolic “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” fun walk to foster empathy for the homeless.
- Participants donated shoes, honoring individuals who successfully transitioned off the streets with the help of local initiatives.
- The event, led by Ignisive, emphasized understanding the hardships and triumphs of those overcoming homelessness.
Showing empathy by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. This was the key focus when a group of Camps Bay residents had a “Walk a mile in my shoes” fun walk recently.
This was made possible through a collaboration with property company Harcourts Atlantic and Ignisive – ignite inclusive change, a Camps Bay-based organisation that consists of various entities from local government, police, businesses and residents.
Theresa Massaglia, co-founder of the initiative, says as the curtain came down on World Homeless Month celebrated in October, the aim of the walk was to pay homage to homeless people who have successfully reintegrated into society thanks to interventions by the organisation.
“We wanted to do something to give back to the stewards to acknowledge the commitment they made to move off the streets.
“We wanted people to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and understand how they (homeless people) have navigated trauma and hardship and be able to relate how much it took from them to make the changes in their lives.”
Massaglia says they have seen first-hand how people positively changed their lives around.
“With little to nothing they embraced taking accountability for their lives and being responsible for the journey ahead by going into rehab and going to a shelter.”
Donation of shoes
People who participated in the walk were also tasked to donate a pair of shoes. Massaglia explains the shoe handover will take place later this month.
“We can’t make someone change. But they are the brave ones that made the change, and we encourage and support them. The shoe drive was symbolic of walking a mile in someone’s shoes, being emphatic to their circumstances.”
According to Massaglia, the walk was about bringing people together.
“We wanted to bring people closer to the person on the street who is committed to making a change.
“To make people gain understanding and empathy of what it takes, so that when we do come across someone on the street we understand.
Massaglia says homelessness can affect anyone.
“Covid-19 taught us that no one is immune to ending up on the street.
“Even when you hit rock bottom there are possibilities of working towards a better life. It’s so inspiring when you speak to the guys who have taken the step to rehabilitate and listen to how far they’ve come.”
According to Massaglia, they are still in need of men’s shoes from size seven to 10.
To donate email Theresa@ignisive.com
