Podiatrists pulls up socks for Africa

A Safety Bay podiatrist is putting the needs of African children first, one sock at a time.

Over the past two years, Malibu Podiatry’s Mark Ould has organised for more than 1000 pairs of socks to be collected and distributed throughout Tanzania and to local homeless people.

“The main reason I commenced the program was because of the sheer wastage of the socks, they were used once in the capturing of a 3D foot scan and then thrown away,” he said.

“I just thought they could be put to better use.”

Mr Ould was introduced to Elizabeth Stroud, who had worked in Africa and Tanzania for 20 years.

From conversations with Ms Stroud, the idea grew to include aid organisation Action Tanzania and the Socks for Schools Project was established.

“I'm proud about the little we have been able to do so far,” Mr Ould said.

“Our long-term goal is to collect enough socks so that more can be distributed to needy people around Australia.”

Since its inception, socks have been collected by podiatrists around Australia and sent to Malibu Podiatry, where they are packed.

Action Tanzania then ensures the socks are collected and distributed to children in rural areas, especially those in colder climates.

Last month, the most recent load of socks were delivered to Ukwama Children’s Home, an orphanage in Mahenge, Ulanga District, Morogoro region and home to 96 children, four of whom live with a disability.