NEWPORT,R.I. — Ginger Cameron, a Portsmouth, R.I., mother, has embarked on a heartfelt mission to support children in memory of her son, Owen Cameron, who tragically passed away last March at the age of 17.Owen, remembered as a pleasant and familiar face throughout Aquidneck Island, left a lasting impact on those who knew him.

A Light Extinguished Too Soon

Owen’s passions were diverse and vibrant, ranging from sailing and skating to producing music and collecting sneakers.He was a light, Cameron said. He loved all things sailing, skating, producing music and sneakers. He was a big sneakerhead. He was one of those kids, that when he heard a drop was going to be happening, he was texting his dad and I about ‘We got to get these shoes, we got to get these shoes.’

funky Shoes, Fond Memories

Owen’s love for unique and colorful shoes became a touching symbol of remembrance. During his celebration of life, family and friends wore their most distinctive footwear in his honor, a gesture repeated on his birthday. I can’t even tell you how many people participated and how much joy that brought me on what could’ve been a really sad day, Cameron recalled. All the sudden one day I was like, ‘This is it, this is what I need to do.’

‘Owen’s Kicks for Kids’ Takes Flight

Driven by the desire to memorialize her son in a meaningful way, Cameron conceived ‘owen’s Kicks for Kids,’ an initiative aimed at providing new shoes to children in need. And I thought, if I get one pair of shoes I get one pair of shoes and it has taken off, she said. working within the Westport, Mass.,school system,Cameron witnesses firsthand the significance of new shoes for children,particularly for those whose families face financial constraints.

I see so many kids that don’t have sneakers, don’t have the shoes that they need to participate in sports, don’t have fun, new sneakers and I know it’s very vital these days for kids to have nice sneakers, Cameron explained. Ofen times kids that can’t afford shoes get hand-me-down shoes, they don’t get the new shoes that are shiny, new, fresh, with no creases, so that’s my goal to put them on kids who need them.

Community Support Surges

Since launching a memorial fund a few weeks ago, Cameron’s GoFundMe page has garnered over $8,000.In addition to monetary contributions, she has received 21 new pairs of shoes as donations. Partnering with local school districts, Cameron ensures that children in need can access new footwear.She can help them with the purchase.

Run Newport, a local shoe store, has also pledged its support. And when I launched the charity, ‘Run Newport’ reached out to me and said they would love to be able to help any way that they can, Cameron said.

Run Newport joins the Cause

Adam Stadl, an owner of Run Newport and Sole Desire in Providence, R.I., emphasized the store’s commitment to community involvement. Our mission statement at our stores is a one word mission statement: it’s ‘comfort’ but there’s also something that goes with it, there’s a mental element of comfort if you’re feeling good or looking good, Stadl said.

Upon learning about Cameron’s initiative, Stadl was eager to contribute. Any time you hear of a tragedy it does hit close to home, he said. We just wanted to help out as little or as big as we can. The partnership will involve physical and monetary donations,and also a lenient return policy to facilitate shoe donations and discounted purchases.

A Healing Prospect

This island has just wrapped my family with their arms and has been incredibly supportive and generous and it’s amazing that ‘Run Newport’ has offered to be a part of that, Cameron expressed. it’s been a very healing opportunity for me to do this for him [Owen.]