On the morning of Sunday, November 8th, the quiet coastal village of Scarborough will come alive with the sound of footsteps and laughter as families, friends, and kind-hearted strangers gather for a very special cause. The 13th annual Home from Home Amble is a 10-kilometer walk that winds along the breathtaking Cape Peninsula coastline, from Scarborough Beach to the charming village of Kommetjie. But this is far more than a scenic stroll. It is a journey of compassion, a community coming together to ensure that some of the most vulnerable children in the Western Cape feel seen, valued, and ready to take on the world. As participants meet at the Scarborough Beach car park at 8:15 am for an 8:30 am start, there will be a shared sense of purpose: every step taken will help put new school shoes on the feet of children and young people living in foster care—shoes that represent so much more than just footwear.
The goal for this year’s Amble is both modest and mighty: to raise enough funds to provide 140 pairs of brand-new school shoes for the children in Home from Home’s care, just in time for the 2027 school year. Each pair costs just R200, a small price for something that holds such immense value in a child’s life. But as Lala Lakey, who handles fundraising and communications at Home from Home, explains, the impact goes far beyond the practical. “School shoes may seem like a small thing,” she says, “but for a child who has experienced trauma and hardship, they represent dignity, confidence and the opportunity to feel like they belong.” For a child who has already faced more challenges than most of us can imagine, walking into a classroom with clean, sturdy, brand-new shoes can change the way they hold themselves, the way they interact with peers, and the way they believe in their own potential. It is an invitation to stand tall, to feel equal, and to focus on learning without the nagging worry of worn-out soles or ill-fitting hand-me-downs.
Behind this initiative is Home from Home, an organization that has been a beacon of hope since 2005. For nearly two decades, it has supported orphaned, abused, neglected, and vulnerable children across the Western Cape, offering them something every child deserves: a safe, loving, and stable home. Through its unique and carefully supervised cluster foster care model, children live in family homes with a dedicated foster mother and up to six foster siblings, creating a sense of belonging and kinship that institutional care simply cannot provide. The organization currently operates 35 such foster homes across 16 communities, including Masiphumelele, Ocean View, and Fish Hoek, caring for more than 200 children and young people at any given time. But Home from Home’s mission goes beyond shelter and safety. It is deeply committed to providing educational, emotional, and developmental support, ensuring that each child not only survives but thrives. The simple act of providing new school shoes is part of this larger promise—a promise to help children start the school year with confidence and the tools they need to build a brighter future.
The Amble itself has become a cherished tradition, now in its 13th year, and it is as much about connection as it is about charity. As walkers make their way along the rugged, windswept coastline, with the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the rocks on one side and the fynbos-covered hills on the other, there is a palpable sense of unity. Families push strollers, friends walk arm in arm, and supporters who have never met before share stories and smiles. Some come back year after year, making it a personal ritual; others are first-timers, drawn by the beauty of the route or a desire to help. The walk takes about two to three hours, depending on pace, and offers plenty of opportunities to stop, take in the view, and reflect on the reason they are all there. It is not a race; it is a shared experience. And at the end, in the seaside village of Kommetjie, tired but exhilarated participants often linger, enjoying the camaraderie and the knowledge that they have contributed to something meaningful.
For those who wish to join, participating is simple and welcoming. There is no entry fee, but walkers are encouraged to raise funds or make a donation. Supporters can easily donate in advance through the GivenGain platform, where they can also set up their own fundraising pages to involve friends and family. On the day itself, cash and SnapScan will be accepted, making it easy for spontaneous contributors to give. The organization also reminds participants to come prepared for the Cape elements: bring water to stay hydrated, sunscreen to protect against the strong sun, a hat for shade, and some snacks to keep energy levels up along the way. Whether you are an avid hiker or someone who prefers a gentle amble, the event is designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for all ages and fitness levels. And if walking isn’t your thing, you can still make a difference by donating directly or by spreading the word to others who might want to participate.
Ultimately, the Home from Home Amble is a beautiful reminder that big change often starts with small, deliberate actions. A pair of school shoes might not seem like much in the grand scheme of things, but to a child in foster care, it can be a turning point—a tangible symbol that someone out there cares, that they are not forgotten, and that they have every right to dream and succeed. As the organization looks toward the 2027 school year, it does so with hope and determination, buoyed by the community that has rallied around it year after year. Every donation, every step, and every kind word from supporters helps write a new chapter in the lives of over 200 children. To register for the walk, to make a donation, or simply to learn more about Home from Home and its work, all you need to do is email [email protected]. The beach is waiting, the path is ready, and the children are hoping. Will you be part of their journey?