MEEKER | A dozen Meeker high school students are raising funds for their 2020 ecology trip to Galapagos Island by collecting gently worn, used and new shoes.
The Meeker International Ecology Program will earn funds based on the total weight of the shoes collected from Funds2Orgs.
Collection boxes are available at Watts, Meeker Drugs, ERBM Recreation and Park District, St. James Episcopal Church and other local churches.
All donated shoes will be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of
micro-enterprise (small business) partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send to her son to law school.
Meeker students will participate in giant tortoise research, help restore habitat and eradicate invasive species, as well as developing friendships with peers from Ecuador.
“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said parent Nancy Richardson. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for these kids to go on their Galapagos Island trip, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Special to the Herald Times
