Footprints 4 Sam is bringing its life-saving hospital transport service to Johannesburg. Later this year, the first-ever Sam se Bussie will support paediatric patients in Gauteng.
Image: Supplied
Footprints 4 Sam, a paediatric non-profit that provides transport for children with life-limiting or chronic illnesses, will be launching the first-ever Sam se Bussie in Johannesburg later this year – the new 22-seater bus will support paediatric patients in Gauteng. “We are incredibly grateful to our donors and it is through their ongoing support and partnership that we are able to keep this vital transport initiative reaching the children who need it most,” concluded Melissa Williams-Platt, Managing Trustee of Footprints 4 Sam.
Since its launch in 2018, the initiative has grown steadily, with buses collectively transporting over 16 725 patients and caregivers and travelling 457 424 kilometres. The impact has been life-changing for thousands of beneficiaries, many of whom would otherwise struggle to reach essential medical care.
The initiative has been operating successfully in Cape Town, where a powerful collaboration between corporate sponsors and the Trust ensures the continued sustainability and growth of the transport service for vulnerable paediatric patients.
Footprints 4 Sam will launch its first Gauteng minibus later this year to help children with chronic and life-limiting illnesses get to hospital appointments. The initiative has already changed thousands of lives in Cape Town.
Image: Supplied
During a special event hosted at the beautiful De Grendel Wine Estate in Cape Town, the Trust unveiled its new mini bus that will replace their original “Vehicle 2”, bringing together long-time donors, supporters and partners to celebrate the impact already achieved and the journeys still to come.
Affectionately known as “Sam se Bussies”, the new Super Sam Hero mini bus is the 4th vehicle rolled out over the past eight years as part of this life-changing initiative.
Melissa Williams-Platt explains, “when our vehicles reach a certain mileage, sponsor Hertz kindly swaps them out for a newer vehicle, ensuring safety on the road. It is also made possible through the support of the Efficient Group, GIB Insurance Brokers and newly-onboarded Ranmore Fund Management.”
The original second minibus, which is now being retired, was launched in 2019 after travelling over 216 770 kilometres and transporting 7 817 patients and caregivers.
Professor Mignon McCulloch, who co-hosted the event, added, “for families already facing the emotional and financial strain of a child’s illness, access to transport can make the difference between receiving treatment or missing critical appointments.”
Professor McCulloch is Head of Paediatric Nephrology and Solid Organ Transplantation at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, one of the hospitals in the Western Cape that benefits from the Trust’s transport initiative.
“Every kilometre travelled represents hope,” adds Kelly Robinson, Footprints 4 Sam Trustee, who hosted this special event. “Behind every trip is a child, a worried parent and a hospital.
SATURDAY STAR