Nestlé Ghana Limited, producers of the beverage MILO, has completed a nationwide sports boots distribution program, handing out 2,000 boots to under-privileged children with an inclination for sports.

The ‘MILO Shoe donation Project’ is an integral part of the Accra MILO Marathon, demonstrating the Brand’s drive to engage with Ghanaian school children through sport.

200 boots were donated per region with the help of the winner of the 2013 Accra MILO Marathon, Alhaji Mohammed Kassim supported by Nestlé and the Ghana Education Service (GES) officials.

Alhaji Kassim who played the role of a MILO Ambassador, sent the boots to schools in the far flung corners of the country, bringing joy to children, some of whom have never owned a new pair of shoes.

The activity started on the 18th of November 2013 in the Northern region, climbed up to the Upper East and Upper West regions and journeyed down to the Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, Eastern, Volta, Western, Central and Greater Accra regions. In each of the regions, the travelling party visited four under-privileged schools selected in advance by MILO and the GES.

In a statement released to the press, Moataz El Hout, Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana Limited said; “The MILO Shoes donation project” underscores Nestlé’s belief that for an organization to be successful over time and create value for shareholders, it must also create value for the communities in which it operates. This is what we call “Creating Shared Value (CSV)”.

‘As a brand which is easily identified with sports in general, MILO® does not only support the unearthing and celebration of talents as was seen in the 27th Accra MILO® marathon but it is also committed to our communities’.

A representative from GES stated that, “Some of these children, regardless of not having the best shoes or any at all, are determined to take part in sports. MILO®’s contribution is a heart-warming experience that is supporting the passion of the children and it will stick with them for the rest of their lives.”

It was a gesture that touched the very souls of the children and teachers.

“This is a historic moment for my children. The parents are elated and this gesture has boosted the children’s confidence. This is the closest some of the children will ever come to meeting a champion of any kind. MILO® has given these children, their families and the community a priceless moment,” stated a teacher from Cheshe R/C Primary School in the Northern region

When the distribution team arrived in the Eastern region, 11-year old pupil, Master Kwadwo Baah of Tontro M/A Primary School speaking on behalf of his school mates said “I am very excited about my new MILO® shoe. I want to be a champion like Alhaji Mohahmmed Kassim and also come and give shoes to my friends that do not have shoes in my hometown.”

The final set of boots was given out to Okushiebia M/A Basic, Ayikai Doblo M/A Basic, Apporman Model Basic, and Ashongman D/A Basic in the Greater Accra region. MILO® hopes to continue this gesture on a yearly basis to touch more children and communities in the country.

This year’s Accra MILO Marathon took place on September 21st with 3000 school children drawn from the length and breadth of the country participating in the 5 Km U-15 race. The mass sport had over 3000 participants as well registered and running on the day.