What started as a student with an excess supply of shoes and a desire to make a difference has evolved into a charity known as Project Sole that will impact countless needy Africans.
Project Sole was organized by Blaine McGowan, a sophomore marketing major, who has committed to going a week barefoot with the purpose of raising awareness and making an impact. McGowan was in the Student Union from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. collecting donated shoes last week from Monday to Thursday.
“I started Project Sole because I have over a hundred shoes myself, mainly from working in a shoe store,” said McGowan. “To get rid of these shoes, I wanted to give back and give them to someone who would appreciate them and do something that would matter.”
While there is a National Charity of the same name, McGowan’s Project Sole is an individual endeavor.
“I got the idea to donate the shoes to a group that would go to Africa,” said McGowan. “Then other people offered to donate, and I turned it into Project Sole. People from all over the place ship shoes to me.”
Over 400 pairs of shoes have been collected for Project Sole as of last Thursday. These shoes will be sent to Swaziland, Africa.
“The mission of Project Sole is about spreading love, peace and positivity through what I know best, which is shoes,” said McGowan. “I’m surprised at how fast and big it’s growing. I’m happy and excited for it to keep growing.”
McGowan is unsure of exactly how the shoes will arrive in Africa, though he is looking into several different options for transportation including possible help from the organization called Soles4Souls.
Several students were excited to take part in the charity as they searched their closets as well as their familys’ for excess shoes.
“I heard about it from Blaine, and I think it’s a really awesome project, especially since he’s doing it himself,” said Anna Ellis, a senior majoring in psychology and criminal justice. “I have a lot of people in my family with a lot of shoes and everyone had extra shoes to donate for a great cause.”
One student felt inspired by McGowan and decided to purchase 10 pairs of women’s and girl’s shoes to donate for the cause.
“I think what he is doing is great, and I wish more Southeastern students did more positive things like this,” said senior Mary Pichon, family and consumer science major. “He is an inspiration, and Project Sole is something that lots of people should get involved with!”
McGowan will be accepting shoes until March 2.
For more information regarding Project Sole and how to donate your shoes, contact McGowan at blaine.mcgowan@selu.edu. If you are interested in Soles4Shoes, visit Soles4Shoes.org.