Shoe drive steps up for kids

By Justin Sibbet - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on August 22, 2023.

While kids hate to hear it, school is right around the corner and that means back-to-school shopping has returned, but current prices can leave some families struggling to purchase everything they need.
From books and backpacks to pens and pencils, school shopping lists can seem daunting and never ending.
The final price tag could overwhelm some families, so certain organizations are setting up relief efforts to see children return to school with a smile on their faces.
One such organization is Shoes4Kids YQL, a group which is helping to bring some truly essential items to those in need.
The shoes on our feet keep us moving and Shoes4Kids YQL held their third annual donation drive on Saturday with the goal of raising $20,000 and collecting 350 pairs of shoes.
Mallory Kristjanson, president of Shoes4Kids YQL, says the donation drive, held at Dunlop Ford, was coordinated with the support of the Lethbridge Police Service, Taber Police Service, RCMP and Blood Tribe Police.
“(We are) coming together to ensure each child in south-west Alberta has a brand-new pair of shoes for the upcoming school year,” said Kristjanson.
She says working so closely with the local police services is good for the organization because officers regularly meet with families who may need support.
“Police are some of the most incredible frontline workers within all of our community,” said Kristjanson. “A lot of times we see that they have met with families who may be at risk, who fall through the cracks. They have a student resource officer because their goal is obviously to work with children and families.”
This thought was shared by Taber Police Constable Christopher Nguyen, who says police officers unfortunately come face to face with families in desperate situations all the time.
“We’re in a unique position where we can identify families in need and actually direct them to resources such as this along with many other resources that are available in the community,” said Nguyen at the donation drive on Saturday.
The current economic climate is also driving the necessity for donations of every kind, shoes included, says Nguyen.
“There are lots of families who do struggle in this day and age with the economy the way it is,” said Nguyen. “It’s so important to get help in any kind of way.”
However, he says there should not be any stigma attached with asking for help and the Taber Police hope to make that message clear.
Adding to this message, Nguyen says Shoes4Kids YQL is a great example of community engagement and support in all southern Alberta.
“The organization is well run and it’s just something that’s important for families in need, kids in need,” said Nguyen.
Another police officer at the donation drive, Constable Charles Gladstone with the Blood Tribe Police, says Shoes4Kids YQL can help residents of both Lethbridge and the Blood Tribe.
“We’re from the reserve, but a lot of our people live in this community,” said Gladstone. “A lot of them are struggling and this is kind of a good way to bridge between communities and also see other areas helping our own people.”
Gladstone says there have been several recent setbacks which have created hardship for families in the region, but organizations like this have been able to help.
“We’ve had COVID, we’ve had pandemics and people are still recovering from them, so I think it’s definitely something that is needed and going forward, hopefully it’s not needed as much,” said Gladstone.
Furthermore, Kristjanson says the community of Lethbridge has risen to the occasion time and time again to help their neighbours and support local youth.
“We are very, very blessed to see the community fiercely come together because this is an initiative that is to support every single student throughout south-west Alberta,” said Kristjanson.
She says it is important for donations to be new shoes as they ensure a longer usable lifespan of the shoes, and it helps children fit in with their classmates.
“We specifically take brand-new shoes, so that children can, not only walk to and from school, but also to engage in their extra-curricular activities,” said Kristjanson.
As well, she says youth shoe sizes eight to 13 are the most commonly required by those in need.
“A lot of people love to donate kid shoes, they’re cute, they’re beautiful, they’re inexpensive,” said Kristjanson. “We see the highest need for our youth, especially at a high school level, we want to ensure that they have the same dignity as their peers with brand name runners.”
While the donation drive has come and gone, those interested in donating can continue to do so every day on the calendar.
“Shoes4Kids YQL actually runs all year long, so even if a family finds themselves in any type of financial hardship or it’s a barrier to be able to access shoes, they are welcome to reach out to their family school liaison council, school support staff and be able to actually get their child a brand-new pair of shoes.,” said Kristjanson.
For those looking to donate, Kristjanson says every RBC branch in Lethbridge has a financial account set up to accept donations for Shoes4Kids YQL.
To arrange a shoe pickup service, email shoes4kidsyql@gmail.com.

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