Shoes for paws

Published 11:44 pm Friday, September 18, 2015

The Suffolk Humane Society is stepping out of the box when it comes to fundraisers.

The society is holding a shoe collection drive through Nov. 10 to raise funds for its programs. It will earn funds based on the number of pairs of shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs will purchase all of the donated shoes on behalf of WoofTrax Shoes for Shelters.

“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Eileen Gizara, executive director. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets and we hope they will donate them to us and help those less fortunate become self-sufficient.  It’s a win-win for everyone.”

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Donated shoes will be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise partners in developing nations. Funds2Orgs helps impoverished people start, maintain and grow businesses in countries such as Haiti, Honduras and other developing nations. Proceeds from the shoe sales are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send her son to law school.

Money raised will benefit cats and dogs in humane society programs and the community.

Last December, WoofTrax raised more than $65,000 to shelters nationwide as part of its Walk for a Dog app. Taking your Walk for a Dog is healthy for your pup, you and the Suffolk Humane Society. Users of the WoofTrax Walk for a Dog app can support their local shelters and rescues and help animals in need by donating shoes worn while using the app — or ANY new or gently worn used shoes.

By donating shoes to the WoofTrax Shoes for Shelters drive, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in the lives of people and animals.

Local organizations interested in learning more about conducting a shoe drive of their own can visit Funds2orgs.com.

New or gently worn used shoes may be donated at 4300 Nansemond Parkway, in Suffolk.

The Suffolk Humane Society promotes the welfare of companion animals in the community through sponsoring spay/neuter programs, placing homeless animals in loving permanent homes and providing quality humane education with an emphasis on responsible pet ownership. Call Suffolk Humane at 538-3030 for more information.