Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Lansing Gifts and Gallery celebrated Feb. 24’s Pink Shirt Day by launching a shoe drive in support of local elementary school students.
The downtown Napanee business will be collecting new kids running shoes of all sizes at their 3 Dundas St. E location, which will be disturbed to Greater Napanee and area schools.
“We wanted to do something that would benefit our community right at the community level,” said Lansing Gifts and Gallery manager Rennie Hutzler. “We wanted to address a need that wasn’t being met. We have (clothing drives that focus on) the snow pants, the snowsuits, the toques, the hats and we wanted to be part of a program that we could directly service a need that wasn’t being met. What made me think of this one was 25 years ago when my kids were going to school, the concept came forward that we needed indoor and outdoor shoes. At that time for me and my family it was tough coming up with another cost at the beginning of the year.”
If a child goes through a growth spurt, it could mean guardians have to buy another two pairs of shoes midway through the school year. For some already on a tight budget, it can be a struggle to keep their kids in proper fitting footwear.
“There are people that do fall through the cracks that do need that help,” added Hutzler. “I think it’s a simple concept that we can meet.”
Pink Shirt Day made for the perfect launch date as the campaign is all about promoting dignity and respect, particularly in school aged kids.
“Besides helping the parents it helps the kids feel comfortable in something new,” said Hutzler. “They’re not wearing shoes that don’t fit or have been totally destroyed. It helps with their self esteem.”
The shoe drive will be an ongoing initiative at Lansing Gifts and Gallery.