Local chiropractor hosts shoe drive for those in need

November 22, 2018 · 0 Comments

Written By JASEN OBERMEYER

With the Christmas season upon us, many groups, organizations, and individuals raise money and food for the less fortunate. For Dr. Richard Magder of Shelburne Family Chiropractic, he is accepting donations of shoes to keep everyone’s toes and feet warm for the cold winter ahead.

The shoe drive, now in its second year, runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15. Dr. Magder is looking for comfortable shoes with good support, such as running shoes and boots, not flats or high heels. “As a chiropractor, I know that proper foot wear is important to low back comfort.”

He explained to the Free Press how the shoe drive came about. “Last year I was working at the clinic, and I had a pair of shoes outside that were drying, my own personal shoes, and I went in to treat a patient, came out, and they were gone.”

His wife pointed out that the person probably needed the shoes more than he did. “A light bulb went over our heads.” From there, the shoe drive was born. “We decided to start collecting gently used or new shoes with good support for people who could not afford it.”

Last year’s efforts raised 300 pairs of shoes, with this year’s goal now 500. Just over 200 shoes have been donated so far. “Some of them will go towards Choices Youth Shelter in Orangeville, some of them are going to go to the Shepherds Cupboard Food Bank, and for distribution to families in Shelburne that are in need,” Dr. Magder said.

He added it’s great seeing the community being so receptive, and is very thankful for the donations brought in and the opportunity to implement this kind of donation. “It’s pretty amazing how helpful the community has been.”

Donations can be dropped off at the chiropractic office, on 310 Main St East.