While most of us are fortunate enough to have fantastic footwear, for many people in Saskatoon this is not a reality. In fact, many don't even have the bare necessities when it comes shoes. This time of year we can only imagine what it would feel like to be outside in these frigid temperatures without proper footwear.
This is part of why we're so proud to, again, be presenting Free Shoe Day! In this week's Q&A we speak with Mike McDonald, the Founder and Executive Director of Recess Guardians, and long-time volunteer/organizer of Free Shoe Day.
Before we get to our chat with Mike, a quick sidenote: We are still gathering as many pairs of gently-used, or new shoes as possible by the end of today (Wednesday, December 2). So please swing by the store and drop off your donations by 6 p.m. We'll also be asking people to volunteer after Run Club tonight to help move shoes from the attic to the main floor — this will take about 20 minutes. We're, also, still looking for volunteers for the upcoming days, which Mike explains. So let's get to it!
Q&A with Mike McDonald
Tara: For those not familiar with Free Shoe Day, would you describe the
three-day event?
Mike: The Brainsport Free Shoe Day starts off with us loading up the shoes at Brainsport Thursday morning, with the help of the Furnace Guys, and bringing them to King George Community School. From there we unload the shoes and sort them into different sizes for the rest of the day. On Friday we fit all the students from King George School in the morning and then on Saturday we open it up to the public! We open the doors at 9am and close them at 1pm.
Tara: How many years has the program been going for? And how many pairs of shoes are given out every year?
Mike: I have been with the program going on 6 years but I believe that Brian started it a year before that! Every year we give away at least 2000 pairs. Seeing how full the table are at the start and how bare they are at the end is incredible!
Tara: That's a lot of shoes! How do you handle this logistically, and from a fitting perspective?
Mike: On the Friday we make sure the students get into proper fitting shoes by measuring them and making them understand what a proper fitting shoe feels like. On the Saturday, it is a total free for all and people can take whatever shoes they want. If someone wants help, we are more than happy to fit them and make sure they get a great pair of shoes but for the most part people know what they want and go for it.
Tara: This is the first year at King George Community School — why this school, and location?
Mike: For the Free Shoe Day, we like to go to one school for two years then change locations. This is a great program and we want to share it with as many people as possible. King George is very close to St. Marys Community School, where we had it the last two years and where it was
very popular. The Free Shoes Day could be held in many different schools across Saskatoon where it would be very valued, but we just felt that King George would be a great location this year.
very popular. The Free Shoes Day could be held in many different schools across Saskatoon where it would be very valued, but we just felt that King George would be a great location this year.
Tara: Do you have a particular memory that stands out from being involved with Free Shoe Day? And, are volunteers still needed?
Mike: I wouldn't say that I have an exact favorite memory, but there are two things that really stand out. One is the initial rush when we open the doors on the Saturday morning. Within five minutes, we have well over 200 people in the gym looking at shoes, grabbing coffee and talking with friends. The amount of "thank you's" you hear throughout the day is just amazing, and shows just how much people appreciate the day!
The second part that really stands out is seeing certain people who have come every year and checking in on how they’re doing. They’re so happy when this day comes around and they always express it!
We're definitely still in need of volunteers, especially on Friday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. People can come for as long as they want and we would love to have them! Contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you can help!
Upcoming Events:
New Years Eve No Frills Chili Run
Save the date for the 4th Annual New Years Eve No Frills Chili Run.
Say goodbye to 2015 and toast in 2016!
Registration forms available at Brainsport starting December 1. Cost: $15.00 Place: Brainsport
Say goodbye to 2015 and toast in 2016!
Registration forms available at Brainsport starting December 1. Cost: $15.00 Place: Brainsport
Lighten Up! Fun Run
Get out your bells, and battery-operated l.e.d. lights. Decorate yourself for a fun run on the first day of winter. Hot beverages, and dainties post-run provided by D'lish. No fee, no registration, just fun. Bikes are welcome. Sunday, December 20 at 6:30 p.m. at d'Lish by Tish Cafe. For more information clickhere.
Fall Triathlon Training
Transition Sport and Fitness' Fall Triathlon Training Program starts this week and there are still a few spots open to Swim, Bike, & Run (with 1, 2, or 3 times per week options). All abilities welcome. If you've ever wanted to try triathlon (or perhaps receive some technical swim instruction by an international-level coach) now is your chance. Visit www.transitionsportandfitness.ca for more information. Or register here.
Leg Speed for Triathletes and Runners
ZONE Sports Physiotherapy's Friday Morning Track Session is a go at the Saskatoon Field House. 24 sessions, starting November 6 to December 18, resuming again January 8 to April 29.
Time: 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. Cost: $360 for all 24 sessions. Minimum of 8 athletes, maximum of 20 athletes. Please email Brad Spokes at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your spot in this program.
Yoga for Triathletes and Runners
Looking to up your overall human performance? Come sign up for ZONE Sports Physiotherapy's Thursday Night Yoga Classes with Instructor Josh Safronetz, Baptiste Institute Yoga Instructor in training. Josh promises to leave you sweating with this style of yoga. Improve your global flexibility, breathing, and overall core strength in these one-hour sessions. Sign up today by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as there are only six spots left.
Thursday nights from 6:15 to 7:15 at ZONE Sports Physiotherapy.
November 19 to December 17, resuming January 7 to March 31.
Cost: $240 for all 18 sessions www.baptisteyoga.com.
Yoga For Runners
Watch for a new session of classes/workshops beginning in the new year. Contact Leanne at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 306-251-2964. Or, watch the Brainsport Times for more information.
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . .gotta run . . . Tara