Church Launches Fundraiser to Support Microenterprise in Developing Nations

Emmanuel United Methodist Church is conducting a shoe collection drive on Sept. 19, Oct. 3 and Oct. 24 to raise funds for Imagine No Malaria while benefiting microenterprise ventures in developing nations and keeping old shoes out of local landfills. Individuals can help by donating gently worn, used shoes at Emmanuel United Methodist Church’s parking lot from 3 – 5 p.m. at 3310 North “G” Street in San Bernardino. In the US alone, approximately 630 million pairs of shoes are thrown away per year. The materials used to manufacture a pair of shoes are created from chemical compounds that will create health hazards if left to disintegrate openly or in landfills. By donating gently worn, used shoes to the Imagine No Malaria Shoe Drive, your shoes are given a second chance to make a difference. All donated shoes will be redistributed to microenterprise partners through Funds2Orgs and used in developing nations for impoverished people to start, maintain, and grow a unique business opportunity to feed, clothe, and house their families. “We are very excited to be conducting this shoe drive in the Inland Empire," said Jan Windhausen, Outreach Chairman. "This campaign will raise funds that directly benefit Imagine No Malaria and be used for providing prevention, treatment and education to help eliminate malaria in Africa. The additional advantages of diverting shoes from the waste stream to create commerce and sustainability in peoples’ lives make this a win-win for everyone,” said Windhausen. "Our goal is to collect 3,000 pairs of shoes. The only way we can do that is if community members step up and help. I am calling on everyone to clean out their unwanted, gently worn, used shoes and donate them to us." If you, or a local organization, are interested in learning more about this opportunity or participating in your own shoe drive you may contact Jan Windhausen by phone at 909-882-0011 or email sbeumc@verizon.net.