Have you ever stopped to think about the simple privilege of wearing shoes? Most of us don't—we slip them on without a second thought. But for some children, having a pair of shoes isn't a given; it's a luxury they can't afford. Can you imagine walking through life—school, playgrounds, even sports—without a proper pair of shoes?
The story I recently came across broke my heart. A little girl received a pair of shoes for Christmas—the only shoes she had. Seven months later, she was still wearing them to summer camp, patiently waiting for a new pair for the school year.
You can read the full story here: https://www.helpthehomelesskeiki.org/post/shoes-does-anyone-know-who-s-shoes-these-are?utm_campaign=8eb01f91-0f8d-4683-8af7-2ee8836b90ea&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=3b5607e0-7fad-44df-92f6-e7e69ebbb54f
This is the reality for many homeless children in Hawaii. But together, we can change that.
As a proud supporter of Project Hawaii, I'm reaching out to those with the heart to help. It truly takes a village! Please take a moment to read this, share it, and support it however you can.
Healthy Hearts for Homeless Keiki by Project Hawaii
February is our Annual Healthy Hearts campaign. Your Support Changes Lives for the Future
Did you know that over a decade ago, Hawaii passed a law requiring all students to wear athletic shoes to participate in recess and physical education? Yet, for many homeless children, this rule created an impossible barrier. Most attend school in rubber slippers and are unable to meet the requirements.
The result? Fewer than 1% of homeless children participate in sports. But thanks to Project Hawaii's Healthy Hearts program, that number is changing. Today, over 40% of our teens are involved in sports, and many earn college scholarships.
Why Sports Matter
Beyond physical health, sports shape young lives in profound ways:
💙 Boosting brain development, memory, and problem-solving
💙 Encouraging higher grades, leadership, and responsibility
💙 Building confidence, social skills, and community relationships
💙 Opening doors to scholarships and a brighter future
How We Help
Across the islands, Project Hawaii provides everything a homeless child needs to participate in sports—from shoes and uniforms to equipment, fees, and travel. Every year, dozens of children join sports like:
🏈 Football
⚽ Soccer
⚾ Baseball
📣 Cheerleading
🎾 Tennis
🤼 Wrestling
🏀 Basketball
🏐 Volleyball
🏄 Surfing
Your Support Makes This Possible
As with all our programs, success depends on generosity. February, the month of love, is our Annual Healthy Hearts campaign—and your kindness can change lives.
💙 $35 provides a child with athletic shoes
💙 $70 ensures a child has the proper shoes for their sport
Would your group, club, or company be willing to host a fundraiser? Every dollar makes a difference. We can even set up a custom fundraising page for you to share with friends, family, or colleagues.
Give today. Change a life.
Because no child should have to wait for something as basic as a pair of shoes.
🙏 Donate or learn more here:
Mahalo for your kindness and compassion! ❤️
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Ta Da!
Aloha,
Jan
Images and videos are courtesy of Project Hawaii, Inc.
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