Volunteers and Lethbridge Police Service members organize donated shoes at the Shoes for Kids YQL event, August 27, 2022. (Image: Lethbridge Police Service)

By David Opinko

Hundreds of pairs, thousands in cash donated to Shoes for Kids YQL

Aug 29, 2022 | 11:52 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Youths in Lethbridge and select surrounding communities are set to receive brand-new pairs of shoes.

The 2022 Shoes for Kids YQL fundraiser has wrapped up and an organizer says they are pleased with the results.

265 pairs of shoes were donated as well as more than $13,000 in monetary contributions have been received.

Founding member Mallory Kristjanson thanked the community for their support.

“We were grateful to see so many returning and new businesses and donors jump on board and thank everyone for their support,” she said. “There is no unity without community.”

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

A media release from the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) states that new shoes can improve student behaviour and attendance, boost self-esteem, and increase physical activity.

Kristjanson says she worked alongside law enforcement agencies such as LPS, Blood Tribe Police, Piikani Nation RCMP, and RCMP K Division Indigenous Policing Services, as well as Lethbridge Family Services.

“We want to thank our Lethbridge Police Service for their continued support for the second year in a row. We are blessed to have local officers and Watch volunteers who not only keep our community safe, but selflessly step up to serve children and youth,” says Kristjanson.

Anyone wishing to still make donations can contact the Shoes for Kids YQL organizers by email at shoes4kidsyql@gmail.com