My Canvas Has Laces

Photo: Contributed

Put your best foot forward for a good cause on Oct. 20.

Shoe Bank Canada's second annual charity art gala and auction, My Canvas Has Laces, will help the Kelowna-based agency to distribute more shoes to people who need help getting a step ahead in life. 

“It’s about reducing the negative impact of poverty on low-income mothers and their families.” said Shannon Christensen, executive director of Mamas for Mamas, which receives shoes from Shoe Bank. “The shoes we receive ... help enhance a mama's self-esteem, allow them to provide quality footwear for their kids and help them reduce barriers to employment.”

“A common misconception about the Shoe Bank is that we only provide footwear to those experiencing homelessness,” said spokesperson Sue Ross, “The fact is, we respond to any situation where we can help reduce the burden of the monthly family budget.”

Shoe Bank was started by community activist Jim Belshaw with a mission to ensure that no Canadian should want for a decent pair of shoes. The charity collects shoes from individuals and footwear companies to distribute to people in need.

To date, it has distributed more than 50,000 pairs. 

The My Canvas Has Laces gala will be held at the Kelowna Innovation Centre. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased here.

Artists from across Canada will use a white pair of shoes as their canvas, and the final works of art will then be auctioned, with proceeds going to support Shoe Bank Canada’s expansion efforts.