Because International, the Nampa-based nonprofit behind The Shoe That Grows, raised $11,800 during Idaho Gives 2026, the annual statewide day of giving hosted by the Idaho Community Foundation and powered by ICCU. The campaign ran May 4–7, 2026, and a donation right at the close pushed the total to $11,800—nearly double the organization's original $6,000 goal.

The campaign told a story uniquely rooted in Idaho. In 2007, Idahoan Kenton Lee was inspired to create a growing shoe while working with children at an orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya. That idea became The Shoe That Grows—an innovative, adjustable shoe that expands five sizes and lasts for years. More than 550,000 pairs have since been distributed to children in over 120 countries.

This year's Idaho Gives campaign funded shoes for students at P4T ECD Center & Primary School in Kikuube District, Uganda, through the organization Planning for Tomorrow (P4T). The connection to Idaho came through Albert Amani, a Congolese refugee now living with his family in Idaho and attending the College of Western Idaho, who met Because International founder Kenton Lee. When he learned about The Shoe That Grows, Albert knew it would be a perfect fit for children like him. He attended a P4T as a refugee student in Uganda and then worked for the organization as a teacher and educational coordinator. 

"During my tenure at P4T, I worked directly with children, largely from refugee backgrounds, who faced various challenges, from poverty to traumatic war experiences," said Amani. "As a Congolese refugee who faced similar challenges, I developed a sense of purpose to advocate for and help children in the refugee settlement gain access to education to improve their future."

Pre-distribution surveys conducted at the school painted a clear picture of the need: 73% of older students reported a foot injury in the last six months, 64% knew someone who had recently had jiggers or worms in their feet, and 80% of teachers said it was common or somewhat common for students to arrive at school without shoes.

Because International had already funded over 300 pairs for P4T's primary school students when Idaho Gives launched. With a $3,000 matching gift in place, donors quickly helped the campaign reach its initial $6,000 goal, enough to provide shoes to all students at P4T's primary school. The fundraiser then expanded its goal to reach P4T's secondary school and additional schools the organization supports, with the aim of providing The Shoe That Grows to all 2,000 students P4T serves in Uganda.

The final $11,800 raised—including the last-minute gift that carried the campaign to its finish—will supply 1,180 pairs of shoes for children who have spent years walking to school barefoot or in inadequate footwear.

"Many children in Uganda's rural and refugee settlements come from poor backgrounds," Amani said. "Because shoes lasting only one to two years are less affordable for families with modest means, children often rely on slippers or walk barefoot, which jeopardizes their safety and also undermines their dignity. With The Shoe That Grows, I am confident that kids in Uganda will be safe—and their dignity will be protected longer than with traditional shoes."

At $10 per pair, every dollar raised during Idaho Gives translates directly into protection, health and dignity for a child. Because shoes matter.

To learn more about Because International or to support ongoing work in Uganda and Kenya, visit becauseinternational.org.