This week, 50 children in Dartmouth are getting more than just a new pair of shoes — they’re getting a chance to shop with dignity.
On Tuesday, Soles4Souls Canada and The Shoe Company are teaming up for a nationwide shoe giveaway called 4EveryKid, aimed at helping children in underserved communities start the school year off on the right foot.
The Dartmouth event, held at The Shoe Company in Dartmouth Crossing, is one of five happening across Canada this week — with others in Mississauga, Edmonton, St. John’s, and Saskatoon.
Each local event provides 50 BGC Club kids from Pre-K to Grade 8 with brand-new, properly fitted athletic shoes. The initiative is part of Soles4Souls’ 4EveryKid program.
“We bring 50 children to the Shoe Company, and they get to pick out any pair of athletic shoes they want,” said Lisa O’Keeffe, Vice President of Community Partnerships at Soles4Souls Canada. “We really want to bring it with dignity — so they can feel what it’s like to shop just like any other child.”
The store remains open to the public during the event, with the atmosphere buzzing. Events often include snacks, colouring stations, and photo areas to make it feel like a celebration — not just a handout.
“It’s hard to describe the energy in the store,” O’Keeffe said. “You’re fitting some of these kids with their first brand-new pair of shoes — and you can see the joy on their faces.”
The retail value of the event is about $4,500 per store.
The 4EveryKid program is rooted in research showing that access to proper footwear improves children’s attendance, confidence, and physical activity.
The initiative has served over 2,000 Canadian children to date — and has even included winter boots in colder regions.
O’Keeffe says local store staff often volunteer their time for the events, and the Dartmouth team is one of the program’s strongest supporters nationwide. “We’re so excited to be serving their community. Their district manager has raised more for us than anyone else in the country.”
More on Soles4Souls Canada can be found at soles4soulscanada.org.
