Stella Niagara launches shoe drive fundraiser

By Stella Niagara Education Park

Stella Niagara Education Park is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser through Nov. 25. It will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn, used and new shoes collected.

Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes by contacting Kate Cumbo at [email protected] or calling the school at 716-754-4314. This is a great reason to clean out your closets and help a great cause!

All donated shoes will be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise (small business) partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send to her son to law school.

Kate says, "We are excited about our shoe drive. We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate. By doing so, we raise money for Stella Niagara Education Park, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It's a win-win for everyone.”

Due to the current pandemic, Stella Niagara Education Park is not able to hold its annual fundraisers – like the November fish fry – so this serves as a way to raise money for the school without asking anyone to spend money. By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to Stella Niagara, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in peoples’ lives around the world.

Stella Niagara Education Park is a private, coeducational, Catholic school with a mission to instill in its students a Franciscan heritage in an academic atmosphere that nurtures them physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually. This heritage is rooted in an understanding of the individual as unique, respected and cherished. Stella Niagara is a community sharing a purpose and interest, both in individual achievement and social responsibility.