(Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

“Shoes for Kids” drive aims to collect at least 200 pairs for youths in need

Jun 29, 2021 | 3:07 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Three local police departments have teamed up with a community advocacy group to ensure every child has a new pair of shoes heading into the new school year.

Connecting Our Community Spokesperson Mallory Kristjanson says they, along with Lethbridge Police Service (LPS), Blood Tribe Police (BTP), and Piikani RCMP will be hosting a shoe drive on August 14 at Lethbridge College.

“Shoes are such an important daily thing that we need, an essential need that children deserve so that, with brand new shoes, not only are they going to be able to walk to and from school for those who have to walk, they’re also going to be able to participate in sports, in their gym classes, and also have that same dignity that their peers do with those brand new shoes.”

The goal is to have at least 200 pairs of shoes donated, ranging from sizes youth one to adult 11.

Two elementary schools, one junior high, and one high school in Lethbridge will benefit from the shoes, as well as the Blood and Piikani communities.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

LPS Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh says partnering with Connecting Our Community on this initiative was a no-brainer.

“Our school resource officers see daily the very real need of students across the city who need these shoes. They also witness first-hand how a kind word or a positive interaction can make a real difference in a child’s life and the direction they may choose to take and the path in life.”

Cst. Dennis Kerr with Piikani RCMP says he has seen the same situation in his community, and that some children are forced to go without decent shoes.

Blood Tribe Police Inspector Rayan Najjar adds that children need to be built up for success, and if it takes a simple pair of shoes to help in that regard, he asks, why not?

“Programs like the Shoes for Kids does not just provide new shoes for the children, it gives them the ability to go to school with dignity and excitement, gives them the ability to gain that self-esteem and confidence to challenges that may come during the day that they can face with pride.”

More details on how the shoe drive will work will be released on Connecting Our Community’s Facebook page shortly.

Businesses in the area can expect sponsor letters to be sent out next week.