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Nuit Blanche: Raising 700 Pairs of Shoes

  • michelleye
  • Dec 30, 2015
  • 2 min read

Over the summer, I was contacted by Lucas from Soles4souls to organize a fundraiser for used shoes. As I learned more about the organization, I really admired their focus on making a long term sustainable change instead of bandaid short term solutions. This event provided me with an unforgettable learning experience. I have taken on smaller events before, but raising hundreds of pairs of shoes was a lot more planning and responsibility than I anticipated.


To begin, I experienced drive and passion. Because I was passionate towards the cause, I had a fierce sense of determination to make this event a success. When I spoke about the event to people in my clubs, I realized that not everyone has the same passion. It was difficult to convince people to sort through their closets and give away used shoes. I discovered that a lot of promotion and creative incentives motivate people the most. I talked about the event each week, and people in club would initially agree to help, but didn't follow through with their word. It showed me how important accountability is. If a leader says they will do something, their follow through actions are extremely important towards not only their credibility, but the result of the event.


We had an initial goal of collecting 2000 shoes, and reached 700. Although we did not reach our initial goal, I discovered that sometimes, an outcome is out of my countrol. I would not change anything if I could redo the event. I know that I put in the most effort I could, so regardless of the result, I am so glad I got the opportunity to make a difference. For some situations, tt is the effort and process that counts, not the end result.


Lastly, I learned about how important it is to have a support system and people who believe in your vision. My teacher advisor, Ms. Berry was amazing throughout the whole process. She encouraged me throughout the whole event, and also helped me alongside every step. She supported me tirelessly throughout the entire process. My parents also supported me by contacting everyone they knew, and spreading the word about this cause. In the end, my family raised over 200 pairs of shoes.

Preparation

With my clubs Global Issues and Key Club, we decided on making a shoe monument for our community's Nuit Blanche event. Over two months I coordinated the event between the two clubs including:

  • writing all the emails and letters

  • organizing used shoe box locations throughout the community

  • organizing a school wide shoe collection event

  • tying hundreds of shoes into pairs

  • building and setting up the shoe monument on the day of the event

Event

Overall, we raised 700 pairs of used shoes towards Soles4Souls!


 
 
 

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