When Rikki’s mother was released from prison, she and Rikki stayed at a women’s shelter together and they got by however they could. Unfortunately, new shoes were the least of his mom’s concerns as she tried to ensure they both had food to eat and a roof over their head.

“I remember wearing Payless shoes with big old holes in them,” Rikki said. “My mom couldn’t afford to get me a new pair, and we were just struggling, going through it. My peers were more well off and had everything they needed, so it was embarrassing and a challenge for me as a kid.”

But one kind and generous gesture changed everything for Rikki and ended up altering the course of his whole life.

“This woman that lived in the shelter before us, her name was Becky, noticed I had holes in my shoes and asked my mom if she could buy me a new pair,” Rikki recalled. “We ended up going to the Vans store in Culver City and she got me two pairs of new shoes because they were Buy One Get One 50% Off. That was very exciting. I remember the smell of the new shoes like it was yesterday, and I remember the confidence that came with putting them on and lacing them up. That’s when I fell in love with sneakers. I felt like nobody could make fun of me anymore.”

One good deed sparking thousands more. You love to see it.

Your cart

Your cart is empty