Organization asking for shoes to help African people
Throughout the past two weeks, students may have seen individuals walking with 10 bare toes and two bare feet. Many of these students donated their shoes to an organization on campus called Aggies for Africa.
Mathias Fuelling, director of the club, said last year, Aggies for Africa received more than a 1,000 pairs of shoes. He said two years ago, they received more than 1,500 pairs of shoes.
A donor who asked to remain anonymous said the reason she donated was because she feels it is important that we help those in need and this is one of the best ways we can do it.
“I want to give to others in need,” she said. “Usually we have a little extra something that we can be giving to those who need it. And when we do have that extra something, we should give it.”
Fuelling said all the shoes Aggies for Africa collects will go to Green Eyes in Africa, an organization who also aims to help the people in Africa. Fuelling said after reaching Green Eyes in Africa they will be shipped to an orphanage in Cameroon for children who need them.
Aggies for Africa formed a several years ago. According to their website, the club was created by student Danielle Babbel with the intention of spreading awareness of African affairs. When it affiliated with the service center it had the chance to become bigger.
Aggies for Africa fundraises and sponsors events to make students more aware of events and issues in Africa and help individuals with the problems there. They help educate on the political and social injustices of Africa.
Ben Williams, public relations director for the service center, said Aggies for Africa has been selling T-shirts every year to make money for charities. These charities are different every year as designated by the director of the organization.
Williams said the organization works as a third party with larger charities in African relief. Since they are small they can join with larger charities and help substantially.
Aggies for Africa has upcoming events to inform students about a few of the struggles in Africa. On Nov. 16 they are having a documentary speaker from Invisible Children to speak about children who are victims of war crimes. In February they will co-host a hunger banquet with STEP (Students Together Ending Poverty).
Fuelling said their goal in the near future is to start a refugee education program at Utah State University. Interested students can contact Fuelling at 208-431-2725 or e-mail him at mathias.fuelling@aggiemail.usu.edu.
– ronald.wallace@aggiemail.usu.edu