Meeker International Ecology Program is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser July through September to raise funds for their 2020 Galapagos Island ecology trip. Twelve Meeker High School students are traveling to the Galápagos Islands in June 2020. They will be participating in giant tortoise research and helping to restore habitat and eradicate invasive species. While there, the students will also have the opportunity to develop friendships with their Ecuadorian peers.
The Meeker International Ecology Program will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn, used and new shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the collected shoes. Those dollars will benefit their 2020 trip. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at Watts, Meeker Drug, ERBM Recreation and Park District, St. James and other local churches.
All donated shoes will then 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.
“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.”
By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to the Meeker International Ecology Program the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.
