Students across Geneva′s campus went barefoot for the day on Tuesday, April 5 to raise awareness for children who do not have shoes. Students were encouraged to donate a pair of their shoes to help children in need in the community.
By not wearing shoes, students at Geneva increased awareness of the difficulties those who go without shoes face. Caitlyn Mitchell, who was one of the event organizers, said that this was an easy way to experience what others go through. "It doesn't seem like much, but the students that I have been talking to about their experience have been commenting on how much more vulnerable they feel barefoot, how much it hurts, and how cold their toes are. It does seem to be a very effective way to understand these children's misfortune and hopefully stir people to action in helping them."
Junior biblical studies major Courtney Rubble was enthusiastic about the event despite the chilly weather. "I chose to go barefoot even though it′s cold outside," she said. "This just helps me understand the hardship those without shoes face; it′s not a small thing they go through."
Outside of Alexander Dining Hall, faculty and staff washed the feet of those who were going barefoot with warm water and servant attitudes.
The event also took place across the country at different locations. It was promoted by TOMS shoes, a shoe company which promises to donate a pair of shoes to a child in need with every purchase made.
Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College′s philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).
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