By Yasmin Popescu

Yasmin@nasguard.com

On Monday morning the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority presented each student of the Lewis Yard Primary School a pair of shoes.

According to President Anya Valdez, "The ladies of Pi Upsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., found it important to do a unique back-to-school drive. In an economy, which is going through hard times, we always try to give back.

"Over the years we have kept Lewis Yard Primary School in our thoughts and in our hearts by helping with the breakfast program, having health fairs and clothing drives. Today we decided to give each child who is currently enrolled in Lewis Yard Primary School a pair of shoes."

This is part of the Soles4Souls program which doesn't discriminate against class, color, or creed and is one of many programs that has been set up by the National Office of this Sorority.

Corporate Sponsors involved in this giveaway were: Grand Bahama Port Authority Volunteers Group, Royal Bank of Canada and the Finance Corporation of The Bahamas, Dr. Jean Turnquest, Grand Bahama Medical & Dental Association, the Men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and women of Alpha kappa Alpha in Grand Bahama.

In a previous press release Iteah Ritchie, and the Ritchie's Calypso family, were said to have joined as a sponsor, as they wanted to do their part, as a local Bahamian owned business, to make this Shoe Drive initiative a success!

It was also said that this Soles4Souls program focuses on a "positive message for our young men and by extension our young ladies, especially in times such as these, we must stay true to our organization's motto 'lifting as we climb',"

Rhonda Davis, Ritchie's Calypso Store Manager was then quoted as saying "We at Ritchie's Calypso are committed to recognizing and supporting efforts that help others. We hope that this donation eases at least some of the tension that all families feel during this tough economic time."

The shoes were personalized and gifted to each student during a special assembly scheduled on Monday.

It was noted that internationally since 2005, over 14 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes have been distributed to people in over 127 countries, including Kenya, Thailand, Nepal, The United States and now – The Bahamas.