The run-up to the sixth annual Shoes for Kids YQL drive has officially launched in Lethbridge. This year’s drive will be at Murray Chevrolet on Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will also be a charity BBQ starting at 11 a.m. The shoes will be given out to kids in need from kindergarten all the way to Grade 12, from across southwest Alberta. Monetary donations will also be accepted. The shoe drive began in 2021, and organizers say the demand continues to grow year after year. “Because of this initiative, we are seeing school attendance actually increase because kids have pairs of shoes to walk to school—something that we take for granted every single day,” said Mallory Kristjanson, Shoes for Kids YQL president. “We have students who are now playing basketball and engaging in extracurricular activities because they have a comfortable pair of shoes to do so in. “This is why we do what we do.” “Any investment in our youth is an investment in our community and country, and we take that very seriously,” said Lethbridge Police Service Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh. “So, thanks to people like Mallory, who actually came up with this amazing initiative to support the kids in our community. “We are absolutely proud to be a part of this initiative.” A release issued Thursday said, “For six years, the annual Shoe Drive has demonstrated the incredible generosity of our community.” “Through donations and partnerships, Shoes for Kids YQL continues its mission of removing financial barriers and ensuring children can return to school with confidence, dignity and the opportunity to thrive,” the release said. “Together, we can help ensure that every child steps into the new school year with confidence.” More information on the drive or how to donate can be found at Shoes for Kids YQL on Facebook.
