The Aldergrove schools running shoe project was successful beyond all expectations as far as shoe donations were concerned.
The Aldergrove Business Association put out collection boxes in the community earlier this year and this month an ABA team of volunteers sorted through the 700 pairs of shoes.
“We threw about half of them out because they were dirty or inappropriate but we still had about 300 pairs that were in great shape, new or as new,” said Brock Chapman of A1 Glass.
A portion of these were delivered to the three local elementary schools, where the principals have agreed to “quietly” hand them out to needy students.
“It’s a touchy situation, we don’t want to embarrass anyone,” said Chapman.
He said the ABA will monitor how well this system works before distributing the rest of the shoes. Chapman still has about 200 of the shoes stored at his shop and says he’s looking for ways to distribute them.
“The shoes were donated so we don’t anyone to profit from them,” said Chapman.
Anyone wishing free pairs of running shoes can call Chapman at 604-856-6550 during normal business hours.