Proper footwear, especially in the winter months, is essential to overall health.
That’s why The Stride Clinic, a local foot care centre, collects footwear year-round to help support a variety of local charities. This month, they are asking for the community’s help in collecting winter boots for The Busby Centre.
Community members are invited to donate new and gently used adult boots for those in need. They can be dropped off at The Stride Clinic’s Barrie location at #1016, 74 Cedar Point Drive until December 21.
“Those who are unable to afford appropriate footwear are often those who are more likely to be using public or foot transport and are most exposed to the elements. Without a winter boot, the risks of the cold are more significant than to those who are pulling a cute boot out of their wardrobe and getting into their car,” explains Josée Gingras, the Lead Pedorthist at The Stride Clinic.
Supporting the Community with The Busby Centre
The Busby Centre has been working to improve living conditions for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness for 30 years. They offer a number of services in addition to housing support, including health care services, harm reduction, outreach, addiction support, and counselling. The Centre also assists their clients with meeting basic needs, like footwear.
“We’ve chosen The Busby Center for this Christmas’ footwear donations as they’re a great hub for supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the community. Additionally, they are located within reach of many other community support centers and groups,” says Josée.
Helping the Community Year Round
The Stride Clinic does not only donate during the Christmas season. In fact, they accept new and gently used footwear all year at both their Barrie and Orillia locations. They spread out their efforts and donate to a variety of local shelters.
Josée says, “We also support many of our community members who are on disability by providing appropriate and supportive footwear. We understand that having proper shoes is not something that everyone in our community can afford.”
To learn more about The Stride Clinic and their footwear drives, visit them online or call (705) 735-1013.
Boot donations can be dropped off at the clinic during normal business hours until December 21.
This article was sponsored by The Stride Clinic, a 2023 BarrieToday Reader Favourite.