DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Teaming up with Shoes That Fit, a national non-profit organization working to combat poverty, the Red Wings helped out the Detroit Public Schools Community District before school is let out. They came together to promote an active and healthy summer by distributing new athletic sneakers to every student and teacher at southeast Detroit’s Chrysler Elementary School. This was a part of the Healthy Hockeytown Kids program that is presented by Trinity Health.

Amy Fass, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Shoes That Fit said, “Shoes are intrinsically important to kids. Too many low-income families are forced to choose between rent and food over shoes, leaving children wearing shoes that hurt, embarrass them, cause them to miss out on physical activities, and sometimes miss school altogether. New shoes make a basic and lasting impact.”

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The shoes were distributed in the school’s gym and then after participated in street hockey skill stations led bye the Red Wings Learn, Play, Score program ambassador and 2023 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award finalist Jason McCrimmon. There were also balance drills organized by TrinityElite Sports performance team.

“The Red Wings are thrilled to team up with Trinity Health and Shoes That Fit to ensure every student at Chrysler Elementary School is summer-ready with a brand-new pair of sneakers. Through the Healthy Hockeytown Kids Initiative, we hope these new shoes help inspire a summer filled with exercise and exploration,” said Kevin Brown the director of community impact for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment.

Shoes That Impact was established in 1992 in Claremont, Calif., and is a non-profit organization that provides shoes to low-income students. Healthy Hockeytown Kids is a program dedicated to educating children ages 8-11 on the importance of healthy living through a video mini-series of lessons in nutrition, dairy, financial literacy, and fitness.