Kicks For Kids is a student lead initiative at St.George’s School. The goal of the project is to give back shoes to the kids who are under privileged around Vancouver. The project had started when a student and his mom had approached Brodan Theil, who is the Basketball Coordinator at St.George’s School and wanted to start this through the School. Below is an interview conducted with Brodan Theil about the Kicks for Kids lead by the Students of St.George’s School.
For more information, inquiries and questions please contact Brodan Theil at bthiel@stgeorges.bc.ca
Tell us a little about yourself:
My name is Brodan Thiel. I am the Basketball Coordinator at St. George’s School.
What is Vancouver Kicks for Kids?
Vancouver Kicks for Kids is a student-lead initiative at St. George’s School. It is run by students and give them an opportunity to give back to those who are less fortunate in our own backyard.
What made you want to start this project?
For me it was a no brainer. A student and his mom came to me one day and asked to help organize it through the school, and we started last year and donate around 25 pairs, this year our goal is 50. We decided to start just at Saints but this year we are reaching out to the community. We anonymously donate the shoes to schools, and programs throughout Vancouver.
Who runs Kicks for Kids?
It is a student lead initiative.
How does one give back to Vancouver Kicks for Kids?
People can donate lightly worn shoes to Vancouver Kicks for Kids by dropping them at the front desk of St. George’s School at 4175 W 29th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6S 1V1 or Alexander Academy 688 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1P1.
What is the overall mission and goals? Short term? Long Term?
The overall mission is to give students a positive world view, and build character through different initiatives and do so in a humble and respectful manor. Short term goal is to donate 50 pairs of shoes this year to underprivileged youth around Vancouver, and expand into new communities and spread the word of our shoe drive.
Any additional information you want people to be aware of:
There is a large discrepancy in socio-economic statuses in our surrounding neighborhoods, this is an initiative that is right in your backyard and impacting your surrounding communities. I think everyone (including myself) needs to look at what we have and question whether those sneakers that are collecting dust in our closets should remain there another year or if someone else could use them.
COMMUNITY
