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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
City Cab and Overlander Sports are teaming up to raise $5,000 for the purchase of more equipment for the Highfield Soccer Academy in Zimbabwe, and are hoping the public can help.

Edward Torindo of City Cab and Bill Stirling, owner of Overlander Sports, seen here with the collection jar at Overlander Sports on Tuesday, are collecting donations to help the Highfield Soccer Academy in Zimbabwe. - Kevin Allerston/NNSL Photo

The idea for the drive, known as Project Africa, came after Overlander Sports and City Cab driver Edward Torindo, well known in Zimbabwe and across the rest of Africa for his abilities both on the field and as a coach, donated 45 Jerseys valued at $1,500 to the academy last April.

“So I am just trying to help so that they can at least have a platform they can spring from. That's why I am trying to drum up support for them,” said Torindo.

He said the kids, who are between 12 and 16 years of age, have a lot of skill, and some could play professionally one day, but lack the resources to help them reach the next level.

“Basically, as I see it, those boys they are so skilled, they have high quality skills,” said Torindo. “Some of those kids may end up playing in Europe. We have another guy who is now playing in west Germany. So now he's worth almost $25 million,” said Torindo.

While the academy received Jerseys on Torindo's last trip home, the Project Africa team is hoping to send 60 pairs of shoes, 60 pairs of socks, 60 pairs of shin guards and 20 soccer balls.

“With the kind of success of the donation of the uniforms, we realized that a lot of kids there at the soccer academy, a lot of them need more essential things like shoes, so we're trying to raise enough money to buy shoes, socks, shin guards and extra jerseys for the kids,” said Bill Stirling, owner of Overlander Sports.

He said he will be speaking with his soccer equipment suppliers to see if they can provide the equipment at a reduced price. Stirling said helping Torindo provide the gear is “a natural fit” for Overlander Sports.

“It's both sad and heartwarming at the same time that the kids can be happy with even the smallest of gifts,” Stirling said.

Since City Cab and Overlander Sports teamed up for Project Africa on Dec. 5, approximately $900 has been raised.

Shirley McGrath, office manager with City Cab, said she is impressed with the generosity of the approximately 100 City Cab drivers.

“I was just amazed at their response, they were whipping out fives, tens, twenties and (Edward had) been expecting just their loose change. But just in that one day we raised $340,” said McGrath, who said City Cab will donate an additional $300 to the cause.

“It is a big thing for them. I mean, for us, it's something we don't even think about. You know, having shoes is no big deal, but if you see the pictures of these kids, most of them are barefoot,” she said.

McGrath said donations can be dropped off at City Cab headquarters and at Overlander Sports and donations of good condition soccer equipment are also being accepted. Project Africa will also be recycling materials such as pop cans to raise money.

McGrath said she hopes Project Africa will have raised the money by the end of January or early February in order to allow enough time for orders to be received so they can travel with Torindo when he flies back to Highfield this spring.

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