Kicks for kids
Custom sneakers created to lift spirits of sick children
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/03/2025 (231 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Fifty children facing illness will receive bespoke sneakers laced with creativity thanks to Yashan Wu.
Wu has launched Happy Feet in collaboration with the Dream Factory, a Manitoba charity dedicated to fulfilling dreams for kids who are battling life-threatening illnesses. The 23-year-old artist is donating 50 pairs of custom-painted sneakers, each designed around the recipient’s interests.
The project is a good fit for Wu. She runs Unboxedcustoms, a business where she creates custom-designed shoes that are hand-painted to reflect the personality of the wearer.
Since launching the business in November 2020, Wu has painted more than 500 pairs of sneakers for customers from 34 countries.
She was inspired to partner with the Dream Factory after seeing a video of one of her customers giving a pair of painted sneakers to a child.
“I’ve never seen such a pure reaction where she had this glow on her face and the biggest smile,” Wu recalls. “In that moment I realized shoes are very personal and meaningful, and I think it’s something that anyone can really truly appreciate.”
Children receiving sneakers through Happy Feet were asked about the colours they like, favourite TV or movie characters, highlight memories and family pets they want Wu to incorporate into their sneakers.
Depending on the design, Wu spends anywhere from one to six hours on each pair.
She’ll deliver the first 25 pairs at the beginning of April and the rest later this year.
The initiative is about creating moments of happiness, individuality and empowerment for the recipients as they navigate challenging times, Wu says.
Each pair of sneakers is meant to be a reminder of joy, strength and community support.
“I know it’s definitely not curing whatever they’re dealing with, but it will definitely make a difference in their lives,” she says.
Volunteer opportunities
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
Pride Winnipeg needs an accessibility co-ordinator to help the director in ensuring events are accessible and inclusive. The role involves implementing the accessibility operations plan, setting up accessible spaces, conducting site checks and collaborating with event managers. The volunteer should be passionate about inclusivity, have strong organizational and communication skills, and understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Flexibility for daytime, evening and weekend hours is essential. Email hr@pridewinnipeg.com by April 2.
Camp Quality Manitoba needs a camp nurse for a one-week overnight opportunity to care for children affected by cancer and rare blood diseases. Located at Variety’s Camp Brereton in the Whiteshell, the camp provides a supportive environment for children. The nurse will work under the medical co-ordinator, offering first aid and medication administration while following COVID-19 guidelines. Candidates should have current nursing registration, experience with youth and references. Training, transportation and accommodations are provided from July 19 to July 25. Apply at wfp.to/WZX by May 1.
The Canadian Cancer Society needs volunteers for its Wheels of Hope program, helping people who can’t get to their cancer treatment appointments by providing trips when people need us most. Volunteers provide safe rides and support to clients during difficult times. A commitment of at least three weekdays a month is required, with flexible scheduling. Candidates should have a reliable, smoke-free vehicle and a clean driving record (three demerits or fewer), and must provide references and undergo a criminal record check. Mileage reimbursement or a tax receipt are offered. Apply at wfp.to/WZO by June 15.
Siloam Mission needs kitchen volunteers for its main location at 300 Princess St. and its housing facility, the Madison, at 210 Evanson St. Volunteers will help prepare and serve meals, with shifts available at breakfast, lunch and dinner. No experience is required. Apply at wfp.to/WZn or 204-956-4344, ext. 2210, by July 30.
The Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg is this city’s longest-serving cultural organization, with 130 years of women-led volunteerism. Board members are needed to continue the work of providing scholarships and a stage for Manitoba-educated musicians. There is a particular need for volunteers with a financial accounting skill set. Email Sandra at sandrar.wmc@gmail.com by March 15.
Volunteers 16 or older are needed for the Winnipeg Fine Art Fair, which is happening April 4 to April 6. Roles include ticketing, helping at the wrapping table, roaming and team leadership. This non-profit organization hopes to inspire passion and appreciation of arts and culture. Apply at wfp.to/Wrg or 204-612-4126 by March 24.
The Company of Poets is seeking a poet laureate trainee to help with presentations aimed at seniors. Applicants should have basic literary skills, a passion for working with seniors, and their own transportation to travel to care homes and 55+ centres. Humour and pathos are bonuses. Younger people are welcome to apply. Events are typically held on weekdays, with occasional evening and weekend sessions. Email beatnik57@gmail.com by March 30.
Shelter Movers — a national charity providing free moving and storage services to people and families fleeing abuse — needs movers and drivers. Movers be 18 or older, and drivers must be 21 or older. Email volunteer.winnipeg@sheltermovers.com by March 31.
Victoria Lifeline needs in-home service volunteers for the Winnipeg and/or Steinbach areas. They help deliver Lifeline services to community residents so they can continue to live independently with the support of a personal help button. Volunteers must be friendly and caring, able to drive, have access to a vehicle and be available weekdays. Flexible schedules are available. Send a resumé to info@victorialifeline.ca by March 31.
Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba needs someone to act as a lay member on the registration committee. The volunteer will help in the review of applications for professional engineering and geoscience licensure. The position is ideal for someone who has good analytical and critical thinking skills, understands the association’s mandate to serve and protect public interest, and has an ability to work effectively as a team toward consensus. Appointees serve a two-year term, with monthly meetings conducted virtually, although hybrid/in-person meetings might be held. Email volunteer@EngGeoMB.ca by March 31.
The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Go to wfp.to/0pE, email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.
Born in Xi’an, China, Wu moved to Winnipeg with her family when she was four years old. She started making art a few years later.
In 2020, Wu’s partner, who is a sneaker enthusiast himself, suggested she try painting a pair. Custom sneakers were trending at the time, and he thought she would be good at it.
“I kind of did it to prove to him it wasn’t going to work, and then it did,” Wu says.
In addition to Unboxedcustoms, Wu works at a marketing agency and is pursuing a marketing degree at the University of Manitoba.
Happy Feet doubles as a school project she and some peers are working on that requires them to plan and execute an initiative that aims to improve the well-being of a community.
A lifelong volunteer, Wu has given her time to the Salvation Army, Harvest Manitoba and the Rady Jewish Community Centre.
She currently serves as the marketing and operations chair for Asian Women of Winnipeg, a non-profit that educates and empowers women living in Manitoba’s capital.
Wu says she doesn’t differentiate between her jobs, her course work, her community service and her free time.
“Weirdly enough, I never think of it as working or volunteering — it’s a list of things I want to do and get to do,” she says. “I always feel learning and helping and advancing my skills is what makes me the happiest.”
Wu has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $2,000 to cover the costs involved with Happy Feet.
Visit wfp.to/happyfeet for details.
Additional money raised after the goal is met will be donated directly to the Dream Factory or will be used to create more custom sneakers for children facing illness.
If you know a special volunteer, email aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca.
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron.
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