Here's how you can donate your slightly used or new shoes to kids in need this weekend
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is upon us, and while it is a time for running fast and running far, it's also an opportunity to make a difference in Ottawa.
One local charity is helping underprivileged kids put one foot in front of the other, in style.
For those who have a pair of shoes they are not using anymore, now is the time to donate them.
Footwear 4 Kids is a charitable project and social movement that encourages members of the community, shoe stores, and corporate businesses to donate for a child in need of a good pair of shoes.
William Bourgault created Footwear 4 Kids in 2020, and since then, they have helped hundreds of kids get running shoes.
"Last year, we collected 300 pairs of shoes. And this year we're expecting to double that amount. And so, you know, we're trying to create a system here where runners are going to be able to pass by and donate their shoes," Bourgault explains.
Once they collect the shoes, they are given to their partners who, in turn, end up on the feet of kids in need.
"We collaborate with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, The Door Youth Center, and in turn, they provide the shoes to their participants that are in need of a good pair of shoes," Bourgault adds.
Ottawa Race Weekend race director Ian Fraser says tens of thousands have signed up to race this year.
"We have Canada's largest running event weekend. We've got roughly 30,000 people registered to participate Saturday and Sunday in all of our events. We have got 2k, 5k, 10k on Saturday. Sunday we've got the half marathon and the full marathon," Fraser said.
And during that marathon, there will be 26 cheer stations set up throughout the route that the public can use to support the runners.
"It’s for everybody,” says Fraser. “This is an event that's all about the spirit of community, the city of Ottawa, runners, walkers, just come out and enjoy a beautiful experience on your own city streets you don't get to run down every day."
And if you are coming out, don't forget to bring those slightly used, or new shoes for kids in need to the Aberdeen Pavilion Friday and Saturday.
Fraser says it is a great initiative.
"I think it's so good. You know most runners go through half a dozen pairs of shoes a year. And maybe they're not amazing for running in when they're done with them, but somebody else can sure use those and put a second life on them."
For founder William Bourgault, helping kids in need means everything.
"Just seeing how far we've come with this program and how many children and youth as well as families that we've supported. I'm speechless. You know, it feels great.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Firefighters from U.S., South Africa to battle Canada's 'unprecedented' fires
More than 300 firefighters from the United States and South Africa are heading to Canada in the coming days as the country battles an unprecedented wildfire season.

Trudeau government proclaims annual day against gun violence
The federal government is proclaiming a National Day Against Gun Violence, to be held annually on the first Friday of June. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and representatives of the Toronto Raptors basketball team are set to discuss the plans today at an event in Toronto.
Air quality statements in place for Nova Scotia as wildfires burn
Air quality statements have been issued by Environment Canada for Nova Scotia as wildfires continue burning in the province.
Special rapporteur Johnston rejects call to 'step aside' after majority of MPs vote for him to resign
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's efforts to assure Canadians that his government is adequately addressing the threat of foreign interference took a hit on Wednesday, when the majority of MPs in the House of Commons voted for special rapporteur David Johnston to 'step aside,' a call Johnston quickly rejected.
'I heard a cracking noise': 16 children, 1 adult injured in platform collapse at Winnipeg's Fort Gibraltar
Seventeen people – most of whom are young students – were hospitalized after a falling from a height during a field trip at Winnipeg's Fort Gibraltar. However, many of the children are now being discharged and sent home, according to an update from the hospital.
Latest Russian missile bombardment of Kyiv kills at least 3, including a child
The latest pre-dawn Russian missile attack on Kyiv killed at least three people Thursday, including a 9-year-old child and her mother, Ukrainian officials said.
Kim Cattrall will indeed reprise the role of Samantha Jones in 'Sex and the City' reboot
Buckle up, 'Sex and the City' fans, because Kim Cattrall is finally back.
After sailing though House on bipartisan vote, Biden-McCarthy debt ceiling deal now goes to Senate
Veering away from a default crisis, the House overwhelmingly approved a debt ceiling and budget cuts package, sending the deal that U.S. President Joe Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy negotiated to the Senate for swift passage in a matter of days, before a fast-approaching deadline.
Jordan's royal wedding day gets underway with surprise arrival of Prince William and Kate
Jordan's highly anticipated royal wedding day got underway on Thursday with the surprise announcement that Prince William and his wife Kate had arrived to witness the nuptials of Crown Prince Hussein and his Saudi Arabian bride.