Stellenbosch University (SU) recently partnered with two local brands, Veldskoen and Plakkie, in an effort to raise money for SU’s Bridge the Gap fund, said Pieter Swart, director of principle gifts and transformation giving at SU.
This collaboration entails the launch of a “Matie” range of Veldskoen and Plakkies products. SU’s Bridge the Gap fund will receive 5% of the total proceeds, said Swart.
Stellenbosch University (SU) approached Veldskoen and Plakkie with the idea of a collaboration to generate funding for Bridge the Gap, according to Ross Zondagh, co-founder of Veldskoen and Plakkie, and SU alumnus. AUDIO: Tim Malinzi
“I think that is such an important part of the [SU and Veldskoen/Plakkie] initiative – people who are buying the Veldskoen and the Plakkie are putting money back into students who really need that,” said Swart.
The product was launched at a recent alumni homecoming event, according to Swart. Both the launch and products being sold have received positive feedback, he added.
Bridge the Gap is an initiative that aims to help Stellenbosch University (SU) students with food insecurity and financial constraints, and promote student dignity, according to Viwe Benxa, SU alumni participation coordinator and Bridge the Gap ambassador. PHOTO: Tim Malinzi
A worthy cause
“Bridge the Gap aims to help [SU] students,” said Viwe Benxa, SU alumni participation coordinator and Bridge the Gap ambassador. “Our main aim ranges from [addressing issues such as] student debt to food insecurity to student dignity.”
The success of the collaboration will be measured by how many students can be helped with the Bridge the Gap proceeds, said Ross Zondagh, Veldskoen co-founder and SU alumnus.
“We want to raise enough money to make sure that not only one, but 10 or 20 or 30 people are going to Stellenbosch [University] because of Bridge the Gap,” said Zondagh.
The Maties range of Veldskoen shoes has maroon soles and some are branded with the Stellenbosch University (SU) insignia, according to Pieter Swart, director of principle gifts and transformation giving at SU. Proceeds from both branded and unbranded shoes will go to the Bridge the Gap fund, he stated. PHOTOS: Tim Malinzi
On brand
The Maties range of Veldskoen shoes has maroon soles, keeping in line with SU’s brand, said Swart.
Additionally, some of the Veldskoen shoes are branded with the SU insignia. Similarly, the Maties Plakkies shoes also have SU branding on them.
Proceeds from both branded and unbranded products will go to Bridge the Gap, noted Zondagh.
“We’re selling the Veldskoen and Plakkie at the Maties shop,” said Swart. “It is also sold online and through Veldskoen, internationally.”
A Maties range of Veldskoen and Plakkie products are being sold at the Maties shop in the Neelsie, as well as online and internationally, according to Pieter Swart, director of principle gifts and transformation giving at Stellenbosch University. PHOTO: Tim Malinzi