(Los Angeles, California—April 17, 2023)
In a partnership with Blue Shield of California and adidas, the Los Angeles Kings hockey team brought new shoes to 420 kids at Grant Elementary, right off the 101, in Los Angeles.
Each student got a brand new pair of adidas, white with the iconic three black stripes. They were thrilled!
One girl got a bit emotional putting on her new shoes.
The King’s mascot, Bailey the Lion, came out to visit with the kids, and even signed t-shirts.
Gabe Gelbard, the Supervisor of Community Relations for the Kings, shared:
“We are excited to be back. This is our second time doing this since the pandemic. We have our ice crew here today, as well as Bailey, and our HD Street team, our mobile ball hockey unit. Once the kids get their new shoes, they’ll be able to go out and play ball hockey.
A lot of kids not having proper footwear really hinders them from getting outside to play every day. We are hopeful that having this new pair of shoes will get them outside, get them more active, and living a healthier lifestyle.”
The principal, Scherrie James, shared how families need this bit of help:
“A lot of my babies need new shoes. I’ve had some parents say: ‘Oh, they are getting new shoes? That’s good. That’s one less thing I have to worry about buying.’ With inflation and the way the economy is, every little thing we can do as a school and community is helpful.”
“The LA Kings are thrilled to partner with Shoes That Fit for yet another year of bringing the gift of new shoes to underserved children in the Los Angeles area. Far too often, families are forced to choose rent and food over shoes, leaving children wearing shoes that don’t fit or that cause them to miss out on physical activities. New shoes make a lasting impact, and we are so excited to be able to provide that to these children. A special thanks to our partner adidas for donating over 120 pairs of shoes for this event, without them this would not be possible. ”- Jen Pope, SVP Community Relations & Hockey Development
Thank you LA Kings, adidas, and Blue Shield for making a special day of new shoes, being active, and having fun for the kids of Grant Elementary!
Would you like to get your company, your team, your crew involved? Reach out to info@shoesthatfit.org or give us a call at 909-482-0050.
