Haley Pearce launched Toasty Toes as a high school student at Central Collegiate, collecting winter boots for children who need them across the city.
Now, Pearce’s charity campaign has expanded in nearly every way and she’s thrilled to see the progress.
“We're happy to be back at it,” said Pearce. “It’s been so great, and it’s really nice to see the support.”
The Toasty Toes Project debuted in 2016, focusing on providing as many pairs of warm winter boots to kids as possible. For its return this year, the campaign has broadened its horizons to all winter accessories — mittens, toques, jackets, warm socks, scarves and of course, boots.
Because Pearce is currently a university student, she reached out to her former high school for this year’s campaign and was joined by two current Central students excited about the project.
Wilson Truong and Fernando Boniza are the “on-the-ground” team in Moose Jaw, said Pearce, handling all of the drop-off nights and collecting donations for the campaign.
“They've been a really crucial role in the operation of Toasty Toes this year,” said Pearce.
The team has been collecting winter clothing and monetary donations for the majority of November, stockpiling three large bins of items in preparation for distribution.
Pearce has reached out to local elementary schools to offer some of the clothing items, which will go to children who need them. The campaign is even planning on using the monetary donations to purchase items in sizes that weren’t donated, to make sure all the children receive what they need.
“We still have a few specific people we have to get sizes for, but we've already donated some stuff to Prince Arthur, William Grayson, and Empire [already],” said Truong.
“It felt so good [to do that drop-off], rewarding. We just made these kids so happy and it motivated us to do more work,” said Boniza.
Items will also be offered to the Newcomer Welcome Centre, as well as to individual families who have reached out to Toasty Toes.
Toasty Toes is a movement that Pearce began out of her own heart, built on a desire to do something good for her hometown community.
“Growing up, my elementary school was pretty low income as well, so I saw a lot of kids with not enough adequate winter wear,” said Pearce. “Saskatchewan winters can be pretty harsh, . . . so I wanted to make sure they all stay warm because it's really out of their hands.”
For Truong and Boniza, that feeling is mutual.
“One part of why I joined is that I was a newcomer, three years ago, and it's hard for us. . . when I came here I didn't have a coat for winter, it was tough,” said Boniza. “So that's one of the reasons I want to help people, especially newcomers. I experienced this and I want [them] to enjoy this wonderful winter, when it gets cold.”
Winter clothing seemed like the most useful way Pearce could offer some help, and she’s found the experience to be invaluable.
“I got a lot of experience under my belt [in 2016], kind of walking into university and social work specifically. It really applies to my future field,” said Pearce. “Hopefully, Fernando and Wilson can get the same experience, carrying that forward into their future school careers at Central.”
With the generous support that the community has shown the project this year, Pearce sees a bright future for Toasty Toes.
“We'll definitely keep it up next year with more students from Central, to keep the campaign going for as many years as we need to,” said Pearce.
Truong and Boniza are already looking to recruit upcoming senior students for next year’s project, as they found the experience invaluable.
“You have to be committed to run this particular project but it's really rewarding at the end,” said Boniza.
“It just helps build leadership, character, and gain a lot more responsibilities, and helps you grow as a person,” added Truong.
Toasty Toes is still accepting donations, of both winter clothing and money, for the winter season. Pearce also encourages families who are in need of winter clothing to contact her, to be a part of the campaign.
Any interest in the Toasty Toes Project can be directed Pearce’s way, either at 1 (306) 690-5010 or [email protected].
