May 3, 2009
Going Barefoot at Lakefield College
It feels good to put shoes on again. After a week going barefoot, I finally had the privilege (and believe me, it’s a privilege) to wear shoes. Once again, your support has been overwhelming and I am very grateful for it. I received further support from a friend of mine in Florida. Genevieve wrote the following: “So proud to call you a friend! I congratulate your parents for doing such a fine job raising you and you are only 12… are you sure you’re not turning 24? LOL very mature for your age. I wish you greatness in your life, you are on your way and I will be listening for your name in the future. FYI: I did go barefoot all week but of course it is easy for me as I am in Florida and its very warm here however each day I thought of the children without shoes and mostly what you were doing. I prayed for them, prayed for your strength as without people like you they are lost.”
Thanks for the support, Genevieve. And thanks for going barefoot!I also had the chance to visit LakefieldCollege, a private middle and high school near Peterborough, Ontario. I addressed students and faculty there about my Barefoot Challenge and some of the other work I’ve done. It was an amazing experience. All the students there were very friendly and they were keen to hear more about my week without shoes.
In fact, students, faculty, staff and teachers (really, the entire school) got into the act themselves and kicked off their shoes! They also discussed the idea of having a “Barefoot Day” at school, where they would raise funds to help children in need throughout the developing world. After the assembly of the student body, there were a lot of unique and creative ideas that were discussed for the initiative.
I want to especially thank Headmaster David Thompson for giving me time to address his student body and taking a leadership role in going barefoot for the entire day. It was great meeting everyone at Lakefield. I hope I can visit them again sometime soon.
Warm Regards,
Bilaal Rajan
"Together We Can Make A Difference"
P.S. Check out the media story about my visit to Lakefield. Click here to watch.
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