A handful of local celebrities autographed and donated their slightly worn shoes to Ron White Thursday for the launch of the footwear retailer's 13th annual shoe drive for the homeless. Singer Suzy McNeil, Broadway star Louise Pitre, Olympic gold medalist Adam van Koeverden, Breakfast Television host Dina Pugliese and Virgin Radio host Billie Holiday were on hand at White's flagship store to lend their support to the cause. (Actor Jeremy Irons also donated shoes this year but was not in attendance.)
"So many amazing people are getting involved, it really serves as an inspiration, and it makes it fun too," said Ron White, creator and C.E.O. of the retail company. White said he was inspired to create the shoe drive after seeing a homeless man sitting on the street. "What you do when you're in the shoe business is you look at people's faces and then you look at their feet. So I looked at his feet, and his toes were actually hanging out of his boots," said White, who has since collected 16,000 pairs of shoes and is hoping to pull in another 2,500 this year.
"The difference this year, I find, is people are thinking charity, fund-raising—and they put a blinder up. They don't even look at what you're talking about because they're thinking about their own livelihood, and it's a tough economy," White said. "But we're not asking for [a monetary] donation, we're asking you to look in your closet and find some winter shoes or boots. Dust them off and we'll clean them and sort them and get them out to those in need."
The monthlong event, which kicked off at Ron White's flagship store in the Manulife Centre, continues until February 15 at his six store locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Donated shoes will be distributed through the Out of the Cold program, Red Door Family Shelter, and Halton Women's Place.
