In a heartwarming initiative aimed at supporting students in Manchester, Jamaica, the Friends of Porus (FOP) and Give Back Jamaica Inc (GBJ) recently joined forces to organize the Kicker’s Club Shoe Drive. This collaborative effort successfully raised over $500,000, which was used to purchase much-needed school shoes for students across the parish. The annual back-to-school shoe drive, which primarily benefits primary school students, expanded its reach this year to include Porus High School, following the discovery that several of its students were in dire need of support. Vassell Ogilvie, Vice President of FOP and board member of GBJ, highlighted the decision to include the high school, stating that it was made after discussions with Porus High’s principal, Marlene Murray. The initiative traces its origins to Dr. Eve Richardson, founder and CEO of Give Back Jamaica, who, inspired by her own childhood struggles, launched the Kicker’s Club Shoe programme in September 2021. Since its inception, the programme has grown significantly, thanks to the generous contributions of donors such as the Signature Society, Hudson Valley Dynamic Counselling, and other charitable entities. This year, the initiative benefited students from several schools, including Porus Primary, Broadleaf Primary, Ramble Primary, Harmons Primary, St Jago Primary, and Castle Primary. Ogilvie expressed gratitude to the Signature Society, particularly its CEO and president, Sephron Mair, for their continued support, which enabled 80 students to participate in the shoe drive. Additional donations were also received from various law offices and counseling services, further bolstering the programme’s impact.