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Alturas makes transformative $150,000 gift to Nampa-based nonprofit Because International
October 08, 2025
Nampa, Idaho—Eagle, Idaho-based Alturas gifted $150,000 to Because International, a Nampa nonprofit developing innovative products that help alleviate poverty around the globe.
The flagship product of Because International is The Shoe That Grows. Invented by Idaho native Kenton Lee, the innovative shoe expands five sizes and lasts for years, providing a better-fitting, more durable solution for kids and families without reliable access to footwear.
Alturas’ gift will fund 15,000 pairs of The Shoe That Grows for school children in Busia County, Kenya, as part of Because International’s Shoes for Kenya campaign. The initiative seeks to fund one million pairs over the next five years to be distributed in rural communities around Kenya, where a simple pair of shoes can protect kids’ health from parasites, diseases and injury; remove a barrier to education; and bolster dignity and confidence. The Shoe That Grows is manufactured in Mombasa, Kenya.
Because International president Andrew Kroes said, “This gift from Alturas is foundational to scaling the production of a new version of The Shoe That Grows that is simpler and more cost-effective to produce so that we can increase distribution to meet our goal of ending poverty-based shoelessness in rural Kenya.”
We believe The Shoe That Grows is truly the best footwear available in the world for children impacted by poverty, and we’re incredibly grateful that Blake Hansen and Alturas have caught the vision for innovative global humanitarian efforts and chosen to support this initiative with this tremendous gift.”
Alturas Founder and CEO Blake Hansen said, "Alturas is committed to doing good in the world through our partners like Because International. Their team has been working hard to deliver products that change individual lives. This is a unique non-profit. They are amazing stewards of resources we provide to help children in need.”
In addition to manufacturing The Shoe That Grows, Because International runs a business accelerator and fellowship to assist social entrepreneurs developing their own impact products around the world. These entrepreneurs are working to solve problems in their communities with innovative products to address food insecurity, menstrual hygiene, educational access and much more.
Hansen continued, “What makes Because International unique is how they leverage what they are learning as they develop The Shoe that Grows to support entrepreneurs in the developing world who are building impact-driven businesses. The community they are developing brings entrepreneurs from around the world together to create jobs, alleviate poverty and make the world a better place. We are so excited to continue supporting this cause for decades to come."
In addition to the $150,000 gift, Alturas also hosted an awareness lunch to benefit Because International on October 7, 2025 at the Alturas Event Center in Eagle. One hundred fifty Boise Metro area businesses leaders and community members came together to learn more about the work of the nonprofit. Advertising that Fitz, Fredriksen Health Insurance, ICCU, OneDigital and Quintex Molding also sponsored.
Join Because International in their efforts:
- Give to shoe distributions—every $10 donation provides a pair to a child in Kenya
- Purchase The Shoe That Grows to distribute in communities that you or your organization work with
- Support and mentor social entrepreneurs
Learn more at becauseinternational.org.
About Alturas
Alturas is a diversified group of businesses headquartered in Eagle, Idaho. Founded in 2009, the company has nearly 500 employees with operations in six western states. Alturas operates across three core business segments:
- Construction with Alturas Homes, Hyndman Construction, Hartley Dirtworks and Concrete, and Alturas Cabinets.
- Real Estate with Alturas Capital Partners (ACP) and its four million square foot real estate portfolio located in six western states.
- Business Acquisitions and Investments with Alturas Ventures and its portfolio of companies including – Idaho Fitness Factory, The Studio Academy of Beauty, EnviroTech, Konexus and additional investments in dozens of local companies.
