Mantario and Eatonia Lions clubs participate in Soles 4 Souls

By Joan Janzen

EATONIA/MANTARIO—Patrons visiting the Town of Eatonia office will immediately notice two giant red boxes labelled Soles 4 Souls Canada. The Eatonia and Mantario Lions Clubs have joined forces to run this shoe and clothing drive for people in need.

Patrons visiting the Eatonia Town Office are invited to donate gently used shoes and clothing in the Soles 4 Souls boxes set up by the Eatonia and Mantario Lions Clubs. SUBMITTED

Matt Hoffman from the Eatonia Lions Club said they first learned about the initiative from a Lions member in Richmound. “We had a District meeting in Eatonia early in March. There were six clubs In attendance, including Richmound and Mantario,” he explained. As non-profit organizations, both clubs in Mantario and Eatonia decided to partner with Soles 4 Souls Canada and place their individual boxes in the Eatonia Town Office.

Soles 4 Souls only accepts new and gently used shoes and clothing.

Gently used means no obvious or significant wear and tear, no holes, no mud or excessive staining, or items with broken/missing parts.

Items which are not accepted include undergarments (socks, bras, underwear), household textiles (blankets, comforters), baby and children’s toys (stuffed animals), accessories, and perishable items. Further information is available at soles4soulscanada.org

Soles4Souls Canada diverts unwanted shoes and clothing from landfills and puts them to good use. It helps get new shoes and clothing to people in crisis situations, as well as providing shoes to children in need.

Matt said although the donated items aren’t going to local people, they are going to serve those in need. “And that’s what we do, we serve,” he stated.

Once the boxes are full, Soles 4 Souls Canada will distribute them to people in need. So, if you’re planning to visit the Eatonia Town Office, remember to bring your gently used shoes and clothing and help fill the boxes.