Soles for Afghan Souls
Fundraiser for Shoes for Afghan Refugees.
As a child entering first grade, I had the unique experience of being put in my first “all day” classroom with fellow classmates who had recently arrived in the country as refugees from Laos. This experience shaped me immensely. As I taught my new friends English and had playdates at their houses, I learned about their culture. As their long lost family members arrived as refugees from Laos, I was a first hand witness to their immigrant experience. As my Hmong friends became acclimated to life in the United States, I saw a piece of the life as a newly resettled refugee through the eyes of a friend.
Lately, as I watch the news and read the papers of the evacuation from Afganistan, many of those memories have resurfaced. I see how history in Wisconsin is repeating itself. As we house 14,000 Afghan refugees a few hours away in Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin, I realize what a unique firsthand experience I had of walking side by side with refugees through the many trials and tribulations their families face.
I have asked myself, as many of you have, how can we help these families and teach the children in our lives simultaneously? Knowing many of these Afghan families fled their country with the clothing on their backs and the shoes on their feet, their need for basic necessities is palpable. Many of the refugees do not have shoes that fit, much less winter boots, and winter is arriving in Wisconsin. As they walk this new path in a new country, they need to have solid footwear to find their footing.
Through my business as a financial backer and assistance with the Glendale Chamber and Apex, I have put together a fundraiser to purchase these families some shoes. Will you participate with a small monetary contribution and help us provide footwear for new Afgan refugee families? More information can be found here.
These families just may resettle nearby and become our classmates, fellow school families, and neighbors. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, bringing them our humble gift of shoes is a way to offer a warm welcome just like the Native Americans did so long ago for the Pilgrims.
Here is the direct link to the Fundraiser.
