File photo from the 2021 Shoes for Kids drive in Lethbridge. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

New shoe donations sought for second annual Shoes for Kids drive

Jun 29, 2022 | 11:29 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The second annual Shoes for Kids drive is all set to go!

The goal of the campaign, led by the Shoes for Kids YQL Foundation, is to provide hundreds of children in Southern Alberta with a new pair of running shoes for the first day of school.

Last year, over $16,000 was raised and 485 pairs of runners were donated to the cause, helping children in Lethbridge and the Kainai and Piikani First Nations.

READ MORE: “Shoes for Kids” campaign doubles expectations in first year

Mallory Kristjanson, a founding member of Shoes for Kids YQL said, “We were overwhelmed with gratitude by the community’s generosity during our inaugural event last year and we’re hoping to keep the momentum going.”

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She remarked that receiving a new pair of shoes can be truly life-changing for a child. New shoes can improve behaviour and attendance in school, help boost self-esteem and increase physical activity.

The Shoes for Kids YQL Foundation was created in 2021 with the goal of serving Southwest Alberta and surrounding Indigenous communities by providing low socio-economic and poverty barriered children and youth with new footwear. The Foundation is currently registered as a society in Alberta.

This year’s drive is coordinated by Shoes for Kids YQL with assistance from RBC, the Lethbridge Police Service, Blood Tribe Police and the Piikani Nation RCMP. The event is set for Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the ENMAX Centre parking lot, outside of the Lethbridge Hurricanes’ office.

Both individuals and businesses can support the cause by purchasing running shoes in child and adult sizes. Those wishing to donate before the August 27 event can drop off new shoes at Copy Express, Freddy’s Paint and the Lethbridge Police Service station. Cash donations can also be made at any RBC branch in Lethbridge under the Shoes for Kids YQL account.

The donated sneakers will be distributed to students in need in grades one to 12 who are identified through the school system. For more information, email shoes4kidsyql@gmail.com.

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