"We take having good sturdy shoes for granted, which is not the case for children and young adults in Kenya. Their shoes are often worn out and have holes in them. The Viatu Foundation found a solution by collecting donations and distributing shoes to those who need them. “Viatu” means shoe in Swahili. For a $10 donation a local craftsman in Kenya makes sturdy and beautiful leather shoes which are then distributed. The Foundation benefits the local shoe maker and the children who receive new shoes. I can’t think of a better foundation to support."
​
- Margaret, Viatu Volunteer & Donor
Testimonials
"I met Kevin at St. Luke's in the fall of 2019 when I started a new nursing job. We instantly bonded, became friends and I just loved how happy and positive he was.
​
In the fall of 2020 he asked me if I would be interested in helping him with his foundation. He said he was not "crafty" at all and needed help getting the word out and signs made that we would put up during the holidays. I was honored and said " I can totally help you with that!" So that holiday season I made signs that we put up in the surgery department and we were tickled that our coworkers supported our foundation and our goal of $500.
​
Holiday season 2021 came around and this year we were allowed to put up info in the hospital cafeteria so our reach was hospital wide which was very exciting! I made another display about Viatu that tracked our progress with our goal of 100 shoes or $1000. I would move the stocking with each 10 pairs or $100 we reached.
​
Kevin was always talking to me about having an outdoor event fundraiser and have it in my large yard but everytime we planned it Covid would cause us to cancel. So finally in the fall of 2022 we were able to have an indoor event and I was honored again that Kevin wanted me to use my crafting skills and I got to make the centerpieces for the tables. The first official event turned out great!
​
It has been so exciting and heartwarming to watch Viatu grow over the past few years and that Kevin wanted me to be a part of it. I could not be more honored.Shoes are something most of us take for granted and don't even think about but something as simple as a pair of shoes can make an incredible impact for a child in Kenya."
​
- Kendra, Viatu Volunteer & Donor