PROJECT KIKS

 

 Project 
                         KIKS
      Kind Initiative for Kids Shoes

I was very happy when Paul and George contacted me about providing some space on The Blurb for the purpose sharing the mission and goals of KIKS.  This allows me to contribute in some small way to the great work that is being done to provide shoes to needy children in Africa, many of whom have never had a pair of shoes in their lives!

When Paul lived here at the Veterans' Home, we were in the same building.  I remember times when he worked tirelessly into the wee hours of the morning baking cookies and other goods to raise money for shoes for the kids in Africa.  When Paul was doing his "bake-a-thons," he often delivered Meals-on-Wheels here at the Veterans' Home to fellow vets who were sick or otherwise unable to go to the dining room to eat. (Some may not know that Paul's a skilled chef & baker - I've tasted his wares!)

Now Paul will probably scold me for including the fact that he is a chef & baker, and for mentioning how hard he works.  I can just hear him say (and not in a quiet voice), "Miles, it is NOT about me; it is about the kids!"  Now I add this page to the website FOR THE KIDS and it is a privilege to be able to do it! 
~ Miles Whitley, Website Owner (1/25/10).
 
Introduction: Project KIKS was begun by one of the Veterans Home's residents, Paul Cheatham II. Imagine, an international charity blooming on the beautiful scenic grounds of our Yountville campus. The photos below are from the Project's first mission, in December, 2008.



   The orphans of Ikanang Combined School in Soweto, South Africa, line up
          for brand new athletic shoes to be distributed by Project KIKS.


         It's no use having new shoes without the socks to go with them!


            KIKS founder Paul Cheatham II personally fits a pair of shoes to one 
                                               of the children.



At Christmas, kids in America have smiles for Nintendos, bikes & such. These 
  girls smile because they've just received their first pair of shoes ... ever!


     Look at the boy in the middle. No one's gonna get HIS shoes!


 Paul gives shoes to some more of the children. Most of Ikanang's orphans lost
        their parents to the AIDS epidemic that is ravaging South Africa.


For more information about Project KIKS, including a chance to
donate to this worthy cause, visit our website at this address:
http://projectkiks.org/. We still haven't supplied shoes to most
of the children in Ikanang School, Bosse's Center for Orphans,
Nkosi's Haven, Northwest Primary School, and Ikaneng AIDS
Ministry. As a matter of information, we spend every penny we
collect on shoes, socks, & shipping, and chip in some of our own.


(Miles:) Again, it's an honor for me to provide website space for
such a great cause!  I look forward to adding more photos and
stories about needy children in Africa receiving KIKS shoes
from Paul Cheatham, II, and the team of devoted volunteers.  
Below is contact information and links to other resources:

          • KIKS' Contact Info.

          • Project KIKS - Home Page 

          • KIKS helping with Katrina Aftermath

          • Project KIKS-2 (More about Katrina work.)

          • KIKS Press Articles & Letters

          • How to Donate to KIKS

          • KIKS History & Mission

          The web address for Project KIKS is: ProjectKIKS.org.

           


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