Changing Lives, One Step At a Time
In the fall of 2022, Chris Goossens heard a story in the news about a boy in New York who gifted shoes to a classmate who was getting teased and picked on for wearing shoes that were nearly falling apart. Chris was touched by this incredible act of kindness, as well as inspired. A self-proclaimed “Sneaker Head,” Chris decided to put his passion for good shoes and his passion for helping others for good. In December 2022, Chris, along with his girlfriend, Caty Chmura, started Shaping Soles.
Shaping Soles is dedicated to providing all types of footwear- from shoes, sneakers, and boots – at no cost to individuals of all ages in need in the New England region. Chris and Caty believe that footwear is a basic necessity that every person deserves. When they aren’t working their 9-5 jobs, Chris and Caty are picking up donations of brand new and gently used shoes, organizing them, and reaching out to organizations, such as ImmaCare, who may benefit from their generosity.
On Monday August 6th, Chris arrived at ImmaCare’s administrative offices with nearly 40 brand new pairs of sneakers and nine gently used pairs of shoes. There was excitement in the air as this donation to ImmaCare also commemorated their 1000th donated pair of shoes!
Chris said, “We’ve been anticipating this milestone since we founded Shaping Soles, and now that we’re here, it feels surreal. What better place and people than ImmaCare? It seems like such a loving, caring atmosphere and we’re very blessed to be able to contribute. Now, we reach for 2,000 pairs, and then 3,000, and the skies the limit. We just know we’ll be back at ImmaCare with more shoes soon!”
We cannot thank Shaping Soles enough for their meaningful donation to the clients served by ImmaCare. One box went to clients served in our Emergency Shelter, and the second box went to clients living outdoors and served by our Mobile Outreach program. We look forward to continuing this amazing partnership!