'Take a Walk in the Park' Returns This Sunday
From the inaugural event in 2025 - Owl News File Photo July 13 2025
Medicine Hat's unique community footwear initiative is back for its second year, promising to put shoes on the feet of those in need.
After the overwhelming success of its inaugural event, "Take a Walk in the Park" is returning.
Sunday, August 9
1-4 p.m.
Riverside Veterans Memorial Park
The event, organized by the same compassionate team behind the annual "Coats on Finlay" winter clothing drive, invites residents to donate gently used footwear and "shop" for new-to-them pairs, completely free of charge.
Last year's event was a "roaring success," with organizers estimating that approximately 1,000 pairs of shoes, sandals, sneakers, and boots were donated and lined the park's pathways. The impact was immediately felt throughout the community, with stories of gratitude and relief emerging from those who attended.
A Community's Generosity on Display
Medicine Hat Owl reporter Kelly Allard documented the event, noting that people came from all walks of life to participate. Families arrived to find footwear for their children, while individuals facing housing insecurity found a practical solution to a daily struggle.
One young man's experience perfectly captured the event's spirit. He told Allard that his last pair of shoes had "fell apart 2 days ago, my feet were hurting," and described finding a new pair as "like a miracle". Another attendee was so overjoyed with his new shoes that he began dancing on the spot, explaining that he "goes through a pair of shoes a month" due to the constant walking required when unhoused.
"We have all varieties of shoes. They've been arriving since mid-morning and the afternoon, and we have lots of people shopping," said organizer Helen Snortland last year, echoing the sentiment of organizers Kym Porter and Shannon English.
How It Works and Where Shoes Go
The concept is simple and mirrors the successful model of "Coats on Finlay." Residents are encouraged to bring any footwear in good condition - from sandals to winter boots - and leave them along the walking trails in the park. Anyone in need is welcome to come and take a pair.
Shoes remaining after the event are not wasted. Last year, leftovers were distributed to local organizations including Ma's and Pa's, the Medicine Hat Health Foundation, and the Lions Club International Foundation for their Soles4Souls program, which ships shoes to communities in need worldwide. Winter boots were specifically retained for distribution through the annual Coats on Finlay event.
A Tradition of Care Continues
Organizers hope the community will once again embrace the event. "It feels marvelous that we live in a community that wants to help their neighbors and their fellow community members out," Porter said last year. Snortland added, "We really just want to thank the community. People come down and thank us, but really, it's everyone coming together that makes this possible".
This year's event is set to run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, at Riverside Veterans Memorial Park, located across the street from City Hall. If they do the same as last year, donations will remain in the park overnight until 8 a.m. Monday for anyone who cannot make the event, after which they will be collected for donation.
For more information on how to donate or get involved, the organizers can be contacted through their Facebook page.
