![The Rotary Club is asking for new or gently used shoes to raise funds for the Special Olymics. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-8515c201-48ba-3398-e053-0100007f0f2b-262f4a64.jpeg)
CRESTVIEW — The Rotary Club of Crestview is collecting new and gently worn shoes to help raise funds for the Special Olympics of Florida.
The fundraiser began this month.
“It seemed like a fairly easy community-wide event,” said Rotary Club president Deb Gething. “We could get everyone involved and have people feel like they are contributing to the Special Olympics.”
The idea for the fundraiser came from a club member whose son participates in the Special Olympics. The club is working with the nonprofit, Funds2Orgs, a Orlando-based nonprofit that generates funds for charities by selling shoes to entrepreneurs in developing countries.
“She did research and brought it to the club, and we thought it sounded like a great idea,” said Gething. “If we collect 2,500 pairs of shoes, then we will receive $1,000 or we will get a pro rate if we don’t reach that amount. If we get 10,000 shoes, then they will give us $4,000.”
The donated shoes will go to other countries.
“Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited,” the press release said.
Shoes can be donated through the end of May at one of four businesses (see box).
To donate, drop off shoes off at one of the following locations:
- Baker: VIV Insurance, 5810 FL-189, Suite B
- Crestview: Riviera Fitness, 2500 S. Ferdon Blvd., and North Florida Financial Corporation, office of Sara Fordyce, 898 N Ferdon Blvd.
- Fort Walton Beach: Habitat for Humanity, 802 Pelham Road and Habitat ReStore, 39 Eglin Pkwy S
Got sole?
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Rotary Club collecting shoes for Special Olympics