“Every Journey Begins With A Pair Of Shoes.”
That single conviction, held by founder Dr. Eric Garnes, is the reason The KIC WAY Foundation exists. He saw children held back from school, from play, from opportunity — not by a lack of ability or dreams, but by something as fixable as a pair of shoes. So he decided to fix it, one child at a time.
What began as a personal act of generosity grew, family by family and community by community, into the organization it is today — a foundation still guided by that same first belief.
Milestones Along The Way
One Child, One Pair Of Shoes
Dr. Eric Garnes provides a single child with a brand-new pair of shoes — and sees, firsthand, what a small act of dignity can do for a child’s confidence.
The KIC WAY Foundation Is Formed
What began as an individual effort becomes an organized foundation, with the first KIC N 200 Shoes distribution day drawing volunteers from across the community.
KIC Excursions Launches
Recognizing that opportunity is bigger than shoes alone, the Foundation launches KIC Excursions, opening the doors of museums, zoos, and science centers to children discovering them for the first time.
The Broken Place Begins
The Foundation extends its reach into restoration work, walking alongside families through hardship and helping them rebuild with dignity and hope.
A Movement Across Continents
The KIC WAY Foundation now partners with schools, churches, and communities across multiple countries and cultures — still guided by the belief that every journey begins with a pair of shoes.
A Foundation, Not A Congregation
The KIC WAY Foundation is faith-inspired at its root, but it exists to serve — not to preach. You’ll find us in gardens, classrooms, shoe distribution lines, and living rooms of families rebuilding after hardship. Our work is humanitarian, our doors are open to everyone, and our only requirement is a willingness to help.
Help Us Write The Next Chapter
The story isn’t finished. The next milestone could start with you.
Join The Movement