IGNIS Community’s Shoe Donation project (Share the Warmth) started in 2009 with the purpose of sharing a “warm” gift to the children in North Korea. Winter boots are a necessity as temperatures during the winter season can reach as cold as -30° Celsius (-22° Fahrenheit).

But thanks to the faithful support from donors like you, not only can IGNIS continually provide winter boots to warm the little feet of children in North Korea, we can also provide sneakers on Children’s Day to warm the hearts of the little children.

how do we do it?

Every year we collect donations through CHILDREN’S DAY GIFT and SHARE THE WARMTH fundraising.

We then purchase the sneakers and winter boots, which are sent to kindergartens, daycare centers, or primary schools according to the needs and requests made by the Korean Education Foundation (KEF)—a North Korean NGO located in Pyongyang—or by the city representatives in charge of the schools, through the Office for Compatriots of Overseas Koreans (OCOK).

how do we verify the delivery?

Each year IGNIS Community sends out a verification team to visit the orphanages with our field team and confirm the delivery of the shoes to be directed to the correct places. We were able to meet many children and teachers during these trips and have built trust to learn from each other.

how & when can i donate?

You can donate all year long! But it’s best to do it before August so we would have time to acquire and deliver the winter boots.

With just $15 you can provide a child with a winter boot!