Shoe4Africa: Getting Involved

Jon L

I count myself quite fortunate for the friendships that I have made in the past few years since I joined the Flyers. In particular, I am grateful that I met Flyers Speedwork Head Coach TOBY TANSER and learned more about the efforts of Shoe4Africa (S4A) in developing health and educational opportunities in Kenya.  2013 has been a very busy year for Shoe4Africa. Here's a partial list of achievements for ongoing projects:

January

Distribution of school books from our friend (and fellow Flyer) Pat D at many schools near Eldoret including Little Joy Primary School:

February

Thanks to the generous efforts of S4A friends Peter and Victoria Farago, dozens of Nook eReaders were donated by Barnes and Noble and distributed throughout the schools supported by Shoe4Africa.  In a place where access to books is a real issue, having hundreds of books instantly available to support basic education is invaluable.

March

Distributed Vibram FiveFingers shoes to the kids at three schools to prevent the spread of hookworm and provide basic protection.

July

Opened Shoe4Africa Moses Kiptanui Public Primary School.  Already there are 300-kids enrolled plus 70 more in the kindergarten class.   Thanks to kind donations, Shoe4Africa was also able to provide a computer class as well.

August

A project that has been many years in the making hits a major milestone.  The groundbreaking and laying of the foundation begins for the first public pediatric hospital in all of eastern Africa.   In a region where one in eight children will die before their 5^th year and 2/3^rds of these deaths are completely treatable or preventable, access to basic medical care is crucial.

As you can see, Toby has been busy, which is why we have not seen too much of him in NYC.  You can read and see more about some of Toby Tanser's activities and projects by clicking HERE to view Toby's Flyer Blog posts.

When I first met with Toby earlier this year, I was astounded at what Shoe4Africa has achieved, and the success of these ambitious projects is due primarily to his tireless efforts.  As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Shoe4Africa operates on a shoestring budget (no offices, no paid staff) to make sure the maximum value is realized from all donations.  Like many of my fellow Flyers, I am happy to support Toby in whatever way I can and I am currently coaching a group of runners that will be running NYC in November as a result.  

Do you want to get involved and help us by supporting these projects?  We would welcome your involvement:

·         Donate to support one of the Shoe4Africa runners at the following site: http://www.shoe4africa.org/charity/runners While we have raised much of the money to fund construction of the hospital, we are also raising the funds to fully equip the new facility.

·         Run to support the team.  If you would like to run the NYC marathon and fundraise for Shoe4Africa, we would be happy to secure a spot for you.  If you already have entry and simply would like to fundraise and run with the team, we would also be happy to have you join us.  Email me if you are interested: (jonathanlang@yahoo.com).

·         Do you have some other idea on how to support the charity or the ability to facilitate corporate sponsorships?  We would welcome any idea that helps to support the mission of Shoe4Africa.  Please contact Toby with your ideas: (toby@tanser.org).

-Jon L.