the shoe that grows: a happy day

before new shoes

Today we distributed the cool shoe that grows five sizes. We had enough for kids in Primary 1 through Primary 4. Kids who didn't get shoes received a backpack/bag. Everyone was really happy with their gifts.

It was quite an operation. First, we adjusted the shoes to small, medium and large sizes. A few of the older boys helped with that task as we sat around in Melissa's kitchen. Then, we had all the kids line up by grade so we could give each one a pair of shoes and then adjust them to fit exactly. A couple of the matrons and teachers joined us and helped out a great deal. Even our good friend Peter, who had come for the day to visit, got in on the action.

We figured we'd collect and throw away the plastic ziplock bags the shoes came in, but the kids wanted them. These shoes are very special to them, and they want to keep them as clean and neat as possible. In fact, once we had fit a kid in his/her pair and written his/her name on them, the shoes were promptly removed and safely stored in the ziplock. These are treasures for children who don't get new shoes very often, if at all.

Brian helped us get the shoes ready for handing out

All lined up and waiting patiently for their new shoes

Teacher Mary and Matron Josephine show the children how the shoes work

Big smiles all around!

the shoe that grows (or why didn't i think of that?)

The Idea

The Shoe That Grows started when Founder and Executive Director Kenton Lee was living and working in Nairobi, Kenya in 2007. One day while walking to church, he noticed a little girl in a white dress next to him who had shoes that were way to small for her feet. That led to questions about why.  And finally an idea: 'Wouldn’t it be great if there was a shoe that could adjust and expand – so that kids always had a pair of shoes that fit?'  And just like that The Shoe That Grows was born.

The Solution

Over 2 billion people in the world suffer from soil-transmitted parasites and diseases.  The Shoe That Grows is a better solution to help children protect their feet than just regular shoes, shoes that don’t fit, or no shoes at all.  The Shoe That Grows adjusts five sizes and last five years – providing better protection and better health for children.

Information

The Shoe That Grows is a patented design of an innovative shoe that adjusts and expands.  It was developed in part by a shoe development company in the Northwest called Proof of Concept. 

These children in Kenya had just received their shoes

Kenton Lee is brilliant. He's also unassuming and kind and just wants to get his "shoe that grows" out into the world, particularly in developing countries. The first batch of shoes sold out in a heartbeat, and his next shipment isn't due to arrive from the factory until the end of July. But, Change the Truth has been promised 75 pairs! They will travel with me to St. Mary Kevin Children's Home on August 30th. As soon as the larger sizes are delivered later this year, we'll get 75 pairs of those, as well, so our older children can sport the shoe.

A photo I took at SMK in 2008

Not only do the children outgrow their shoes (if they have any) quickly , their shoes get so beat up. "The Shoe that Grows" is going to last a long time. Five sizes, five years! Such a wonderful concept… and one that we are very excited about!