REALTORS® Rayissa Palmer and Sandy Bodnar are collecting gently-used shoes for the 21st annual Ron White Shoe Drive. Ron White, an internationally-acclaimed designer based in Toronto, refurbishes the donated shoes then distributes them to charities such as the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Suits Me Fine dress for success program and the New Circles GLOW. Their clientele include men and women who cannot afford suitable office attire.
“My mom, Sandy, raised our whole family to donate our time to support those who are in need,” Palmer said. “This shoe drive is one way we do this.”
“One of the charities to receive shoes, called New Circles GLOW, assists refugees. My grandparents on both sides were immigrants to Canada and the U.S. in the 1950s, so I directly understand how tough it can be for immigrants experiencing a different country. If we can have a small part in making someone’s new life in Canada a little bit better, we are delighted to be a part of that.”
We are collecting gently used womens, mens, kids shoes for 21st Ron White Shoe Drive thru Feb 12th! @RonWhiteShoes @sandybodnar #RWShoeDrive pic.twitter.com/RmqyrOgAsp
— rayissa palmer (@rayissap) January 20, 2017
The public is invited to drop off shoes at the donation box in the reception area of Sutton Group – Old Mill Realty Inc., located at 4237 Dundas St. West in Toronto. Palmer and Bodnar can also schedule pick-ups.
Their goal is to collect 150 pairs of shoes by February 12. We were just getting our feet wet with our first official drive in 2016, when we collected 40 pairs.”
“As someone who is on my feet all day and night with clients, I understand the impact of quality footwear beyond mere style. Ron White’s shoes are the most comfortable heels anyone will ever wear—I can practically run in mine when I’m doing showings or open houses,” Palmer said.
The two REALTORS® are very active in their community. Dressed as Santa’s helpers, they collect for the Mimico Food Bank Food Drive. They fund a kid’s craft table and offer face painting at the Mimico Residents Association Valentine’s Day and Halloween dances. Each June, they sponsor a bouncy castle for the school fair at St. Leo’s in Mimico.
This story was adapted – with permission – from one originally featured on the Sutton Spirit website. The Sutton Spirit program recognizes Sutton associates across Canada that improve and enhance the lives of the people around them.
