London's Red Shoe Society gives young professionals ... - Metro News

Becoming a member of London?s Red Shoe Society has been a nostalgic experience for Nicole Spriet.

As a child, Spriet often visited the Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Ontario. Her father was once president of the board of directors, and both her parents were heavily involved when the doors first opened back in 1985.

?I used to love visiting and seeing what a wonderful space was created for the children and families,? Spriet said. ?I especially loved the room with all the teddy bears, which my mom helped design.?

So perhaps it?s no surprise that the now-27-year-old teacher jumped at the opportunity to get involved once again when a family friend told her about the Red Shoe Society in London, which is a group of young leaders whose goal is to raise awareness, money and much-needed support for Ronald McDonald House.

?As soon as I saw the email, I RSVP?d for both my husband and I to attend the first mixer event,? Spriet said. ?I was excited at a chance to be a part of it again.?

Red Shoe Societies have been popping up more and more across the U.S., but the one formed in London last summer is only the second in Canada. The group holds monthly volunteer events at the house and hosts socials throughout the year, all in the name of Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home away from home for families with sick children receiving medical treatment in London.

It?s a great way for young professionals (defined roughly as those aged 25 to 40) to gain experience in the non-profit world and also to expand their professional networks, but in an environment where philanthropy is the goal.

?It?s a networking opportunity with a higher purpose,? said Adam Carapella, who was elected the first president of London?s Red Shoe Society. ?Our members really feel that it?s important as young adults to give back to the community in which we live and work. And not just through words or donations, but through actions, as well.?

The group?s first members-only event ? a winter social at Museum London ? is set for Feb. 28. Not a member? Not a problem, Carapella says, as memberships are available at the door. Red shoes (? la Ronald McDonald) are encouraged, but not necessary.

The group?s inaugural winter gala will be held on Apr. 13. Dubbed A Flight to Remember, the event will take place in an empty hangar at London?s Jet Aircraft Museum. Spriet, along with her events co-chair Samantha Parsons, is tasked with planning the gala.

?That?s something I?m passionate about, and having the chance to plan fun and exciting events for a great cause gives me a sense of joy and pride that we?re giving back,? she said.
And giving back, Carapella says, is specifically what the Red Shoe Society is all about.

?We?re really motivated by trying to help out (Ronald McDonald House) in any way we can so that the children and families staying there can be as comfortable as possible while going through a tough time.?

Visit redshoelondon.com.

Source: http://metronews.ca/voices/urban-compass-london/544453/londons-red-shoe-society-gives-young-professionals-a-chance-to-volunteer-for-a-good-cause/

anchorman 2 kentucky basketball oaksterdam the fray national anthem dallas tornado ncaa basketball oikos