JARVIS—Gently used shoes from Jarvis are on a journey that will carry them far beyond Haldimand County – helping people in need step into a better life, one pair at a time.
The Jarvis Lions Club recently wrapped up their first round of participation in the Soles4Souls Shoe Campaign, collecting 250 pairs of shoes thanks to local support and a dedicated effort spanning several weeks.
The international initiative, run by the non-profit Soles4Souls, focuses on turning unwanted footwear into meaningful opportunities around the world.
“Soles4Souls is a non-profit that’s turning shoes into opportunity,” said Shannon Bunton, Third Vice President of the Jarvis Lions Club. “It’s supporting those in need and creating sustainable jobs around the world.”
The club first learned about the campaign through Lions District A2 – a regional division of Lions International that includes Haldimand, Norfolk, Niagara, and Grimsby. After receiving an invitation to participate, Bunton brought the idea to her fellow members and they quickly got on board.
The club kicked off their collection efforts during their annual chicken barbecue event and later partnered with local business Concession Road Brewing Company, which hosted the donation barrel for the entire month of June.
Between the two efforts, 250 pairs of gently used shoes were gathered.
Bunton said the club is already looking at future opportunities to keep the collection going. Although the Jarvis Lions are currently on a short summer break, plans are in place to bring the bin back out at upcoming community events.
“We have some events coming up in Jarvis in the new year,” Bunton explained. “Our turkey raffle is in November, so I may bring the bin back out for that. And then we have Jarvis Fest, which is the third weekend in August. I’m going to reach out to the Board of Trade and see if we can put the bin out at Jarvis Fest as well.”
The campaign is part of a larger Lions A2 goal of collecting 10,000 pairs of shoes across the district.
According to Soles4Souls, reaching that goal will help divert more than 12,500 kilograms of waste from local landfills while generating $9,500 in economic opportunity.
The initiative also directly supports 10 families for a full year with essentials like food, education, and housing.
Bunton says the effort resonated with her personally, as it tied into her motivation for joining the Lions in the first place.
“I joined the Lions in 2022 with the goal of helping the community – giving back to the community that I live in,” said Bunton. “This was one of the things our club had received an email about, saying the opportunity was available if any clubs were interested in participating. So I asked the club if they’d be interested, and it’s just a great way for the community to give back and help around the world.”
Although the Jarvis Lions’ initial collection has ended, drop-off bins remain available at Libro Credit Union branches in Simcoe, Hagersville, Caledonia, and Cayuga. Bunton said more collection locations may be added as the campaign continues.
The Jarvis Lions are just one of several service clubs supporting local events and global causes under the Lions International banner. Along with the Caledonia, Fisherville, and Townsend Lions Clubs, they’ll be participating in Jarvis Fest in August, each taking on a different role.
“Our club is doing Bingo in the Hole,” said Bunton. “The Caledonia Lions Club is running a cornhole tournament, and the Townsend Lions Club is in charge of the classic car show. The Board of Trade is working with a few of the different clubs to make Jarvis Fest awesome this year.”
Bunton also encourages residents to follow the Jarvis Lions Club on Facebook to stay updated on future events and community initiatives. For anyone cleaning out their closets this summer, she has one simple message – don’t toss your shoes.
“Every pair is a step toward sustainability and empowerment,” she said. “You’re not just keeping shoes out of the landfill. You’re helping people gain access to food, education, housing – and hope.”
To donate shoes, visit any participating Libro Credit Union location in Simcoe, Hagersville, Caledonia, or Cayuga. For more on the Jarvis Lions, follow them on Facebook.
