SASKATOON—Soles4Souls Canada Community Partnerships Vice President Lisa O’Keefe said that providing shoes to kids in underserved communities who experience a lot of hardships and challenges is a small gesture that goes a long way.
Soles4Souls is a non-profit that receives shoes and clothes as donations, either from individuals, community organizations, donation drives, businesses, or other retailers. They recently donated athletic footwear to 50 kids as part of their nationwide distribution event.
“Shoes may be something most of us take for granted, but to a kid, they can be a big deal. We know that kids who receive new shoes have more confidence, attend school more regularly and are more physically active,” said O’Keefe.
“We partner with organizations that are connected to families, and they help us identify children who would benefit from the shoe donation. Our events are primarily focused on the K-12 age range. We host these events multiple times throughout the year.”
Soles4Souls, in partnership with The Shoe Co., gave 50 kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Saskatoon on Wednesday, July 9, at the store’s branch in Midtown Mall, brand-new pairs of athletic shoes in time for the 2025-2026 school year.
This is part of their 4EveryKid shoe distribution events that also took place in Edmonton, Mississauga, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia ahead of the back-to-school rush. The shoes also help the parents have fewer things to worry about, due to the cost of living.
O’Keefe said they are grateful to their partners, The Shoe Co. and Designer Shoe Warehouse, who work with their brand partners to provide the new shoes for the approximately 300 kids and for supporting their program. Designer Brands operates DSW and The Shoe Co.
She added that Soles4Souls have a strong partnership with BGC Canada, and they are working to expand the annual back-to-school program to serve all of their affiliate clubs all over the country. Kids from pre-kindergarten to Grade 8 receive the shoes.
