Be a kid, that's their job

Make a difference to the Venezuelan kids in need.

3 in 5 children lives in poverty. That's a reality right here in Venezuela and shoes are one of the most visible signs of poverty. The simple gift of new athletic shoes can be a new lease on life for a child in need.

Childhood is supposed to be a magical, carefree time. But kids can suffer excruciating stigma, bullying, and ridicule…all for lack of decent shoes. YOU can make a difference for a child in need.

When our kids get their new athletic shoes, 70% percent of our schools report an increase in physical activity and 40% of our schools report higher attendance.

In one of the shoe donations we delivered in Venezuela, a little girl surprised us with her reaction. We saw that with those beautiful shoes chosen just for her, the girl just opened up and from that moment she’s more talkative and better able to follow instructions. 

The simple gift of shoes to this girl and her siblings not only changed her behavior, but it created a sense of trust between the school and her family.

Shortly after receiving her shoes, we heard from that school’s techer: "She came to me asking if she could donate money or something to another family could receive shoes like his family did.”

Researchers know that the effects of growing up in poverty can reverberate throughout a child's lifetime: behavioral problems, low self-esteem, decreased educational readiness, and an increased risk of school dropout.

When children experience chronic stress associated with living in poverty, their ability to concentrate, remember and learn are adversely affected. These hurdles are placed in front of children who have absolutely no control over their personal circumstances.

"From our soles to our souls, shoes contribute a great deal to our human experience".

Links:

• Official website