Donate shoes, help animals

8 years ago

HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Humane Society is conducting a shoe collection drive that began Sept. 1, 2016 and will run until Nov. 1 to raise funds for the animal shelter.

The society will earn funds based on the number of pairs collected, and Funds2Orgs will purchase all of the donated goods. Those dollars will benefit the shelter, including covering the cost of spaying and neutering and other veterinary bills. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used or new shoes at the Houlton animal shelter, Callaghan Road, or at the Varney Agency, 76 North Street. Other drop-off sites will be announced on the HHS Facebook page and website.

All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of microenterprise partners in developing nations. Funds2Orgs helps impoverished people start, maintain and grow businesses in countries such as Haiti, Honduras and other nations in Central America and Africa. Proceeds from the shoe sales are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send her son to law school.

“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Bart Virgie, first vice president of Houlton Humane.

“We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us and help those less fortunate become self-sufficient. It’s a win-win for everyone,” added Virgie.

By donating their shoes, donors can help make a difference in people’s lives.