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