Residents and staff at Parkway Place, a Buckner Retirement Services community, are preparing to participate for the first time in Buckner’s “Run for Shoes” event. Annually, this event brings awareness of vulnerable populations of children around the world, raises money and sends new shoes to children in need. The senior living community invites their friends and neighbors to walk with them, in person or virtually, to increase recognition of these children in need. Donations from the walk will benefit orphans in developing countries around the world by providing them with new shoes, which will improve their daily lives as they help the children get to school and decrease the chance of disease. The Parkway Place team will gather together at the senior living community (1321 Park Bayou Drive) on Friday, October 23^rd at 1:30 p.m. to walk together, celebrate giving back and share the unforgettable feeling of changing the lives of others. Members of the public who would like to register to walk virtually or at the senior living community must register by visiting www.shoesfororphansouls.org/runforshoes and search “Parkway Place” to be added to their team by October 16^th. Registration is $15 and includes a t-shirt. 

“In previous years we have done shoe drives to collect new shoes for orphans across the world, along with other donation efforts,” said Sunny Chatagnier, executive director of Parkway Place. “This year is the first time we’re participating in Buckner International’s “Walk for Shoes” event, and the community is thrilled to participate in a bigger way this year. Many of the residents have led inspiring, mission-based lives through local and international mission work, volunteering, foster care or leading corporations. A person’s desire to give back doesn’t stop at any age, and impacting even one life through this event will mean so much to us.”

To make this event even more meaningful, Parkway Place is preparing to turn the walk into a fun and interactive event. Throughout the walk around the Parkway Place campus, walkers will be wearing stickers with the faces of the orphans they’re supporting on their shirts to bring a face to the cause. Team members who are not able to participate in the walk will be stationed throughout the course at water stations and serve as “cheerleaders” for their fellow teammates. After the walk, the fun will continue with live music from Red Hat DJ, who will be playing a variety of music, ranging from the residents’ favorite tunes from the 40s and 50s to contemporary music.

“We invite our friends and neighbors in the community to join us in the walk, virtually or at our community,” said Chatagnier. “We’re continually looking for ways to extend our ministry beyond the walls of our community and across the world. This is just one small way to give back, and the time investment is minimal for the large impact this event will have. We’re looking forward to cheering our team on later this month as we walk together for a greater cause.”

If you are interested in donating to the cause, Parkway Place will accept donations at the event or you can visit www.shoesfororphansouls.org to donate online.