REDS Holding Shoe Drive
(FREDERICTON, NB) Katie Butts knows the value of a good pair of basketball shoes.
She’s worn and grown out of countless pairs.
“Along with the hoop and the ball, basketball shoes are the most important piece of equipment we use,” said Butts. “I’ve gone through dozens of pairs over the years. I don’t know how my parents kept up with me.”
“It’s not easy for some people. Basketball shoes, even a good pair of running shoes, can cost over 200-dollars,” she adds. “And kids grow out of them so fast.”
Butts and her UNB REDS women’s basketball teammates, with the support of head coach Jeff Speedy, are hoping to do something about it. They’re running a shoe drive.
“I’m passionate about making a difference, and this is one way we can do that.”
The team is collecting new and gently used pairs of basketball shoes, and running shoes that could be used for basketball, and will donate them to those in need in the Fredericton area.
“A coach in my hometown of Ottawa collects shoes that he sends to a boys and girls club in Uganda,” said Butts, of her inspiration. “Our effort will be a little different, in that we’ll use what we collect right here. It’s a great way to re-purpose shoes that families might have around the house, and it gives some children a chance to have new running or basketball shoes when they might not otherwise be able to have them.”
“The student-athletes in our program make a habit of getting involved in our community and giving back,” said Coach Speedy. “Katie came to us with a great idea. This is win-win. We get to help our community and get to help her efforts to make a difference.”
The REDS open the 2022-2023 Atlantic University Sport regular season on October 28th, hosting the Dalhousie Tigers.
The next night, October 29th, they’ll face the Tigers in a re-match on Jr. REDS Night, at the Richard J. Currie Center.
The Jr. REDS program runs each spring, offering girls 10-14 years of age a basketball development and playing opportunity. Current and past members of the REDS women’s team often serve as coaches in grassroots program.
People attending the Jr. REDS Night game are encouraged to support the drive by bringing a pair of gently used or new basketball or running shoes to donate.
“By getting the Jr. REDS players involved, it allows us to be engaged with them at a time of year where we don’t get to see much of them,” said Speedy. “Hopefully they learn how amazing it is to help others and it puts them on a path of getting involved in projects like this for years to come.”
“I think it’s really important to remember that, as student-athletes, we are much more,” said Butts. “We are role models who should be wanting to give back to the community that supports us. I’m fortunate that I have a great coach that inspires me to not only be a better player, but a better person too.”
Any child bringing a shoe donation to the October 29th game will get free admission and be entered into a draw for three great prizes.
The REDS will use local grassroots basketball organizations, and some REDS alumni working in the school system, to distribute what they collect to children and families in need.
The REDS games against the Tigers, on October 28th and 29th, start at 6:00pm.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics