The University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno hosted Barefoot Basketball at the Wolf Pack woman's basketball game against rival UNLV last Wednesday and at the Wolf Pack men's basketball game against Utah State last Saturday to raise money for , a global non-profit that provides shoes for impoverished children.
ÁùºÏ±¦µä women's basketball coach Jane Albright and her staff coached last week's basketball game barefoot to increase awareness. The cheerleaders also supported the cause by cheering without their shoes.
"I have to admit, bare feet were much more comfortable to coach in than my high heels," Albright said. "But I did have boots to put on when I left the arena. Can you imagine not having shoes?"
Both Albright and Coach David Carter donated $500 to purchase shoes from the Nike Store at the Outlets at Legends in Sparks, Nev., and additional donations from donors have allowed for even more shoes to be purchased. All of the shoes purchased by the Wolf Pack will help children in northern ÁùºÏ±¦µä.
Albright expressed her appreciation for all who helped donate and support Samaritan's Feet.
"We raised more than $3,000 to put shoes on kids feet here in Washoe County," Albright said.
Samaritan's Feet was founded by Emmanuel Ohonme in 2003. The organization's mission is to equip 10 million impoverished children with 10 million shoes. Since beginning in 2003, Samaritan's Feet has helped more than four million people in 60 countries.
