Jigger (sand flea) infestations result in pain, itching, and infection. Children stop walking to school. Adults can’t care for their families. The elderly become captive in their homes. Worst of all, due to widespread cultural beliefs, people infested with jiggers are often shunned for the “curse” painfully visible upon their body.

Sole Hope removes the parasites, treats each person's empty wounds, and fits them for shoes. As their body takes time to recover from the trauma of removal, they rest and are moved into the most impactful part of Sole Hope’s process, EDUCATION.  

Sole Hope Shoe Parties are a chance for you to be included in the shoemaking process! No special sewing or cobbler skills required! You are touching and prepping the fabric that will be finished into shoes in Uganda and go on the feet of one of our patients to aid in living a life free from jiggers.

The right pair of shoes can change a life!  Sole Hope shoes are made with love. They are made to protect the feet of people In East Africa from parasites called jiggers. Jiggers can make walking painful or even impossible, but wearing shoes helps prevent them!  

These shoes use up-cycled materials, starting with your jeans. Our team of shoemakers and tailors finish the shoes here in Uganda.  These shoes come with education, medical care where necessary, social work, and a warranty!  

The right shoes can change a life, and you can be a part of that story. 

Per Sole Hope, donations are required for EVERY pair of shoes. Your financial contribution empowers the people Sole Hope serves. Sole Hope's program begins with ERADICATION-eradicating jiggers from the environment and the individual through weekly foot washing and removal clinics.  Next they EDUCATE the people about jiggers and how shoes can help prevent them (they believe they are a form of witchcraft). Lastly, they EMPOWER patients by equipping them with the tools they need to remain jigger free.

So what is your role in this process? You can help by donating supplies and/or joining us at our shoe cutting party. At our event, we will trace denim shoe heels, denim shoe toes, denim heel patches, and the plastic heel support patches.  We will also organize our patches for shipment.

Please see the sign up genius for supplies needed and drop off locations.

FAQ's

Is this event appropriate for my (preschooler, 7 year old, etc)?

Sole Hope recommends ages 10 and older to do this project independently. However, there are many opportunities that KindCraft will provide for younger children. They will be educated about Sole Hope and learn to show compassion for the people in Uganda. They can help with tracing patterns. We have several coloring pages that teach about jiggers and the entire Sole Hope process of helping. So, our simple answer is YES-it is appropriate but you will need to help with cutting because quality control is very important.

Can I do this project from home?

Sole Hope has a kit with very specific directions that you are welcome to purchase from their website, just like KindCraft did. If you'd like to make them with KindCraft, you will need to be present at the event. 

Why do I have to pay for the shoes? 

Your donations help to cover the cost of shipping, the rest of the materials necessary to make the shoes, and your financial contribution helps pay the workers who make the shoes. $10 is the MINIMUM needed for every pair of shoes donated. 100% of this cost goes to Sole Hope.  

Please note: There are no refunds for ticket purchases or for cancellations.