Shoes for the Homeless
Current economic conditions have created many job losses. Therefore, we can expect an increased number of men and women to suffer hardships such as being without shelter and basic needs.
Homelessness is a reality for 35,000 people a night in Canada. Of this population those with chronic diseases are more vulnerable. Locomotion — the ability to walk to a shelter, to reach soup kitchens, to reach medical facilities — is critical their survival. One of the most necessary accessories to make this possible is a pair of shoes – shoes are vital!
Working in tandem with community partners our project will collect and distribute footwear to as many people as possible who need our help.
Myles Goodwyn
Bio: Myles Goodwyn (born in Woodstock, New Brunswick) is a record producer, guitarist, lead vocalist, main songwriter, painter and founding member of the veteran Canadian rock band April Wine. As the longest serving and only original member, he has led the band from its modest garage band roots (in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1969) to multi-platinum sales exceeding 20 million records worldwide. He continues to lead the band to the present day.
In 2003 Myles Goodwyn received an ECMA Lifetime Achievement Award for his impact on the music industry of Atlantic Canada. Goodwyn has also received numerous writing and publishing awards internationally including the prestigious Socan Classic Award for more than 1,000,000 airplays. In 2009 he and April Wine won the coveted Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Award. In 2010, he and his group were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Myles Goodwyn & Friends of the Blues, his second solo effort, is an all-blues album featuring a slew of guest performers that include Amos Garrett, David Wilcox, Frank Marino, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, and Rick Derringer. The album is slated for release in the Spring of 2015. Goodwyn is presently finishing his memoirs, Just Between You and Me, with acclaimed Canadian music industry author Martin Melhuish. The book will be published in the fall of 2016. Goodwyn’s first fictional novel, Elvis and Tiger, will be released in 2015.
For nearly a decade Goodwyn has actively supported and raised funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Goodwyn is the founder of the charitable foundation, Soleful Caring … Shoes for the Homeless, est. 2014. Goodwyn presently lives on a country estate outside of Montreal, Quebec.
Dr. Stan Van Duyse
Soleful Caring is the result of a discussion between Myles Goodwyn’s friend, Dr. Stan Van Duyse. Both Myles and Dr.Stan are diabetic, and understand the absolute importance of wearing proper footwear and taking care of one’s feet.
Although extremely busy with his medical practice, Dr. Stan continues to personally support the efforts of Soleful Caring and the Canadian Diabetes Association by offering to do interviews to promote the ongoing campaigns and the importance of getting shoes to the homeless.
A note from Myles Goodwyn – Founder, Soleful Caring…Shoes for the Homeless
“I have a sensitivity regarding proper footwear and the importance of protecting my feet that is both physical and emotional. Physically, being a diabetic, it is very important to protect my feet from cuts and sores and other problems that can occur if the feet are not properly protected and extra care taken in looking after them. Those of us with diabetes risk losing toes, feet and even our legs due to complications caused by neglecting proper care of our feet. Being homeless, whether or not a diabetic, is a very complicated situation and keeping the feet warm, dry and protected, presents a real challenge. We can help.
The emotional connection for me goes back to my youth. I was brought up in a family that was financially challenged and wearing worn out shoes was a fact. I used to put cardboard in my shoes to keep the small nails from digging into my feet. Even to this day if I see someone wearing shoes or boots that are “beat up” and worn down on the heels, it touches my heart in a deep, dark and sad place.I also had an uncle that died homeless on the streets of Montreal many years ago. He was from Nova Scotia.
I’ve been very fortunate in my life folks. I have what I need for myself and my family. Soleful Caring gives me the opportunity to give back. I hope that you will join me in helping those in need of proper footwear this year and in the years to follow. Be well.”
