Putting his best foot forward, Fergus merchant Peter Mohr has joined the Two Ten Footwear Foundation to ensure Canadians have access to new, quality footwear this holiday season.
“The foundation is a collective of independent shoe retailers,” explained Mohr, president of Shoetopia Footwear Outlet at 860 Tower Street South.
“We send footwear to those who need it.
“There are many people, even here in Canada, that cannot afford proper footwear,” Mohr said.
The foundation is 19 years old and has collected more than 380,000 new shoes and boots to be distributed throughout Canada by charity organizations, church groups and various community service organizations.
“The shoes are distributed based on what and where the need is,” Mohr said. “But this is all product staying in Canada, donated by Canadians for Canadians.”
Mohr’s business donated 200 pairs of adult footwear this year, including winter boots, sandals, shoes and work boots.
“We donated Tara footwear because there is a great need for proper work wear shoes and boots,” he said. “The retail value of all this merchandise would be approximately $25,000.”
Mohr belongs to the foundation for several reasons, including their efforts to support the factory workers who make the shoes retailers like himself sell.
“We provide bursaries for the people who work in the Canadian shoe industry, to help support their families with things like education.”
Mohr says this is his first year participating, as he is a new business owner, but he plans to continue supporting the foundation.
“It’s a great way to help the community and we’re community people,” Mohr said. “I think it’s one of those things that will hopefully make a difference.”
