Shood and Fleet Feet Donate 400 Pairs of Running Shoes to Front-line Workers

Richmond shoe retailer, Fleet Feet, has teamed with local nonprofit Shood (Shoes for Good) to deliver 400 pairs of running shoes donated by the On running shoe company to front-line nurses and physicians at VCU Health System. The shoes are being
delivered to the medical campus on Thursday, May 14.

“On Running is one of Fleet Feet’s top-selling brands in the Richmond market,” said Jeff Wells, owner of Fleet Feet Richmond. “When On reached out to us to offer their help during these challenging times, we took them up on their offer by asking for a shoe donation. We never expected two pallets worth of shoes!”

After learning the size of the donation, Wells contacted Shood, a local nonprofit that collects gently used running shoes, reconditions and distributes them to those who are homeless or living in poverty. For over three years, Fleet Feet has placed collection bins in its retail stores where customers can donate their worn running shoes to Shood. Wells knew that Shood would be capable of executing the logistics of distributing this sizeable load of shoes.

“We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of community support in these unprecedented times,” said Nathan Cunningham, patient experience manager for VCU Health, who is in charge of coordinating donations during COVID-19. “It has been a humbling experience. This particular donation is very fitting, as our team members are constantly on their feet and quite literally go the extra mile for our patients.”

To distribute 400 shoes to front-line workers, VCU Health is hosting an online giveaway inviting team members to submit their name, shoe size and shoe color preference.

“When I received the call from Fleet Feet asking Shood to help with distributing the On running shoes to those on the front line, I jumped at the chance to show Shood’s appreciation to those who are risking their lives to help others in Richmond,” said Robin Telfian, founder of Shood.

For three years, Fleet Feet and Shood have worked together collecting and distributing new and gently used running shoes to those who are homeless or living in poverty. Shood hosts monthly Shood Shares (Shoe Giveaways) at local soup kitchens and food pantries throughout Richmond.

Shood also works with Richmond’s inner-city John Marshall High School to size and fit the cross country and track teams with running shoes. As donations increase, Shood plans to assist additional inner-city high school teams.