Foundation steps it up with fresh footwear

PRIMARY school children throughout the region are being given money for new shoes thanks to an initiative from two partnering organisations.

The Ballarat Foundation and the Athlete’s Foot are distributing out $30,000 in vouchers to local schools to provide disadvantaged students with new footwear.

The cash for the initiative was raised in part during the annual Federation University Run for a Cause virtual fundraiser last year.

Each voucher is worth $100, and Ballarat Foundation CEO Andrew Eales said Athlete’s Foot’s contribution is adding to their initial fundraising efforts.

“This year the Ballarat Foundation has been able to help more than 1000 families with vouchers,” he said.

“The commitment from the Athlete’s Foot allows us to double the impact of this latest distribution, giving even more children access to quality footwear.”

Funds raised during the event also went towards providing young students with vouchers for back-to-school items throughout 2022.

The Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal and Heinz Law also contributed to last year’s fundraiser alongside community efforts.

Sebastopol Primary School principal Michelle Wilson said the new shoes will benefit students and their families.

“We are very grateful to be part of this extra support, quality new shoes will mean a lot to our children,” she said.

“This additional support will be a real help to our families as some of our families have issues with food security and housing security.

“The kids come to school ready to learn with comfortable shoes and feel positive at school. If you feel good, you feel confident and of course you are in a good mood to learn.”

Run for a Cause will return to its traditional in-person format on Sunday, 20 November.