Phoenix Mercury Colllect a Record 3,200 Pairs of Shoes During 2022 Season Through BG’s Heart & Sole Shoe Drive
August 31, 2022 – Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) – Phoenix Mercury News Release
The Mercury continued BG’s Heart & Sole Shoe Drive for the fifth year to further champion Brittney Griner’s work in the Phoenix community in her absence. Through a season-long drive, the team and its fans collected more than 3,200 pairs of new and gently used shoes and raised more than $27,000 to benefit Phoenix Rescue Mission. This season’s drive collected more than the first four years of the program combined (approximately 2,000 pairs).
The team partnered with Phoenix Rescue Mission for three distribution events throughout the season, where Mercury players, coaches, staff, and fans distributed shoes, hygiene kits, water, and other resources to those in need across the Valley. Video from the team’s third distribution event on Aug. 8 can be viewed and downloaded for use, HERE. Please give courtesy to Phoenix Mercury.
A commitment from fellow WNBA teams saw similar shoe drives in 10 different markets with more than 3,400 pairs collected. These donations benefited 11 community organizations: Covenant House LA, the Julian Center, Mary’s Place, New London Homeless Hospitality Center, the Promise House, Shade Tree Shelter, Sharing Shoes, Soles4Souls, the Sports Shed, the Wheeler Mission Center for Women and Children and Concord Neighborhood Center and YouthLink.
More about BG’S Heart and Sole Shoe Drive:
Griner founded BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive in 2016 after seeing unhoused persons in the Phoenix summer without shoes. Always one to lead with her heart, BG’s request was simply to drive around with shoes in her trunk in case she saw someone in need. That idea along with her willingness to accept help, led to the Mercury organization establishing a shoe drive with help from its X-Factor fanbase, BG’s teammates and the Phoenix Rescue Mission. Each year Griner joined the Phoenix Rescue Mission’s mobile “Hope Coach” and delivered shoes and other resources directly to individuals in need throughout the community. Since arriving in Phoenix in 2013, Griner has been recognized multiple times with the WNBA Community Assist Award for her impact in the community.
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