AdventHealth Ottawa and its Foundation joined forces with Shoes That Fit in February 2025. Targeting Franklin County elementary students enrolled in their school's free or reduced lunch program, this collaboration aimed to provide them with brand-name athletic shoes and two pairs of socks. It impacted around 50% of the county’s elementary school students, according to Brendan Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer of AdventHealth Ottawa. Across seven elementary schools, they provided students with more than 1,500 pairs of shoes and 3,000 pairs of socks. In some schools, such as Wellsville Elementary School, the students received free breakfast, made possible by volunteers, community leaders, AdventHealth Ottawa and its Foundation.
Why We Did It
According to Shoes That Fit, one in seven children in the US live in poverty, many of whom don’t have access to athletic shoes in good condition. Shoes That Fit also notes that children come to school stressed out and ashamed, making it difficult to concentrate and learn. They lag academically and fall further behind their peers each year, which strains their relationships and leads children into isolation. This causes millions of children to miss school, refrain from playing sports, and face bullying and teasing due to worn-out shoes. New athletic shoes, fitted specifically for each child, help children overcome poverty’s barriers. As a result, they become empowered to participate fully in school. Recognizing this, AdventHealth Ottawa helps children boost their self-esteem and improve their attendance and participation in physical activity by providing free shoes.
