Over 800 Pairs of Shoes Donated To The Less Fortunate

What started as one woman’s simple act of kindness has grown into a citywide movement. For the third consecutive year, Allison Flowers, Operations Manager at Belize Elementary and Belize High School, led the “Sole Purpose” Shoe Drive. An initiative that collects and distributes shoes to children and families in need.

This year’s drive, held at The Hub in the Gungulung area, was organised in partnership with community leader Arthur Usher, who works daily with over 85 children in the area. Flowers said this year’s outreach exceeded expectations, both in numbers and impact.

“It was amazing to watch,” Flowers shared. “It’s unbelievable how many people really need help and who lack even basic necessities.”

What began as a school-focused collection has expanded to meet broader community needs. This year’s donations included new and gently used shoes for all ages, along with clothing and household items. Volunteers helped guide families through the distribution process, ensuring everyone left with shoes, clothes, and a small snack.

The inspiration behind “Sole Purpose” came years ago when Flowers met a mother whose child missed his first orientation day because he didn’t have a pair of shoes. She says that moment “stuck with me and became my driving force.”

Since its launch, the drive has grown from 300 pairs in its first year to over 800 this year, thanks to the support of students, teachers, and everyday Belizeans who donate whatever they can. Even the Belize City Tiger Sharks basketball team joined in to volunteer, helping children pick out their shoes.

Flowers says she’s already collecting for next year. “The more you give, the more you receive,” she said. “The things we have in our closet, just collecting dust, that could change a life. That could make a child happy.”

To contribute or learn more, contact Flowers at 612-0764.