Shoes for Kids YQL is back for its third year with a goal to collect 350 brand new pairs of shoes and $20,000 for the start of the school year.
The shoes drive is set for Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Dunlop Ford and donations will be accepted in the lead up to the event.
President of the Shoes for Kids YQL Foundation Mallory Kristjanson says many partners are involved in the initiative, including the Lethbridge Police Service, Blood Tribe police, Piikani RCMP and, for the first time, the Taber Police Service.
“We have been able to support over 850 kids throughout our initiative,” she says. “We have also seen an extraordinary amount of extracurricular athletes, whether it’s volleyball, basketball, baseball, coming forward to utilize our service. Without these brand-new shoes, a lot of these children would not even be able to engage in extracurricular activities.”
Individuals and businesses can support Shoes for Kids by donating new running shoes in child and adult sizes. Anyone who wants to donate but cannot make it to the event can drop off donations at the Lethbridge Police Station or Freddy’s Paint. The Blood Tribe Police Station will also accept donations.
Cash donations can be made at any RBC branch in Lethbridge under the Shoes for Kids YQL account.
The donated shoes will be distributed to grade one to 12 students in need who are identified through the school system.