Past Events
Our Past Events
Our 1st Annual Pasta Dinner Fundraiser — November 2, 2024
On November 2, 2024, Austin’s Red Shoe Project proudly hosted our 1st Annual Pasta Dinner Fundraiser, and what a truly unforgettable evening it was.
More than 140 people came together to share a meal, a cause, and a message of hope — helping to make our very first fundraiser a heartwarming success. The night was filled with laughter, connection, and the incredible feeling that comes when a community joins hands to support something bigger than themselves.
We were honored to have Canadian singer/songwriter Sarah Smith grace the stage and close the evening with a deeply moving performance of “We Are Loved” — a song she and Christy Soulliere co-wrote about addiction, love, and remembrance. The song was written in honor of Christy’s son Austin, and those we’ve lost. It is a beautiful reminder that even in our grief, love continues to shine through.
Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended, donated, and supported, we raised nearly $12,000 — funds that have helped Austin’s Red Shoe Project continue our initiatives throughout the year, providing comfort, awareness, and compassion to those affected by addiction.
To every guest, volunteer, donor, and friend — thank you. Your support not only made this night possible but also continues to keep Austin’s light alive in everything we do.
Because together, we are loved — and we are stronger when we walk this journey side by side. ❤️
With love and gratitude,
The Austin’s Red Shoe Project Team
The Austin’s Red Shoe Project Team
Supporting Brentwood with Love and Purpose — 2024
More than 140 people came together to share a meal, a cause, and a message of hope — helping to make our very first fundraiser a heartwarming success. The night was filled with laughter, connection, and the incredible feeling that comes when a community joins hands to support something bigger than themselves.
We were honored to have Canadian singer/songwriter Sarah Smith grace the stage and close the evening with a deeply moving performance of “We Are Loved” — a song she and Christy Soulliere co-wrote about addiction, love, and remembrance. The song was written in honor of Christy’s son Austin, and those we’ve lost. It is a beautiful reminder that even in our grief, love continues to shine through.
Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended, donated, and supported, we raised nearly $12,000 — funds that have helped Austin’s Red Shoe Project continue our initiatives throughout the year, providing comfort, awareness, and compassion to those affected by addiction.
To every guest, volunteer, donor, and friend — thank you. Your support not only made this night possible but also continues to keep Austin’s light alive in everything we do.
Because together, we are loved — and we are stronger when we walk this journey side by side. ❤️
With love and gratitude,
The Austin’s Red Shoe Project Team
The Austin’s Red Shoe Project Team
Spreading Kindness One Backpack at a Time — December 2024
This past December 2024, Austin’s Red Shoe Project was honored to once again reach out to our community with compassion and care. Our team came together to create and hand-deliver 50 care packages to individuals living on the streets — a small gesture to offer warmth, dignity, and hope during the cold winter season.
Each backpack was thoughtfully packed with essentials to help meet everyday needs:
- Non-perishable food and water
- Narcan kits for overdose prevention
- Warm hats, gloves, socks, and underwear
- Gift cards for McDonald’s and Tim Hortons
- First-aid kits
- Hygiene kits that included a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, brush, and soap
Every item was chosen with care, and every backpack was delivered with love. Our team personally went out into the community to hand these out — sharing smiles, conversations, and reminders that no one is forgotten.
This initiative was made possible by the continued generosity of our supporters, volunteers, board members, family, and friends, whose compassion keeps Austin’s spirit of kindness alive. Together, we’re making a difference — one act of care, one life touched, and one red shoe at a time.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The Austin’s Red Shoe Project Team
The Austin’s Red Shoe Project Team
Spreading Love on Christmas Morning — December 25, 2025
After having to miss out on making our Christmas dinners last year, Austin’s Red Shoe Project was so grateful to be back in action this holiday season — doing what we love most: serving our community with kindness and heart.
On Christmas morning, our team woke up early to cook and prepare 50 hot Christmas dinners for those living on the streets. With the spirit of giving guiding us, we not only made the meals but also personally hand-delivered them to individuals in need, sharing warm food, friendly faces, and heartfelt conversation along the way.
Each meal was prepared and given with love — a simple gesture to remind others that they are not forgotten, especially during a season that can feel lonely for so many. The smiles, the “thank yous,” and the quiet moments of connection made this day truly special.
We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, supporters, family, and friends who helped make this possible. Your continued generosity keeps Austin’s legacy of compassion alive and reminds us all of the true meaning of Christmas — love, kindness, and community.
Because when we come together to serve others, we don’t just share meals — we share hope. ❤️
With heartfelt gratitude,
The Austin’s Red Shoe Project Team
The Austin’s Red Shoe Project Team
Sharing Warmth and Hope — Sleeping Bag Donation
On a cold February day in 2025, Austin’s Red Shoe Project set out to bring a little warmth and comfort to those who need it most. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we donated 50 brand new sleeping bags to help individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.
Our team personally handed out sleeping bags to those living on the streets, offering not just warmth, but a reminder that they are seen and cared for. We also donated a portion of the sleeping bags to Windsor Homeless Youth, helping young people who are facing hardship find a bit more comfort during the coldest days of winter.
This donation was made possible through the funds raised at our 1st Annual Pasta Dinner Fundraiser, and we are so deeply grateful to everyone who made it happen — our donors, volunteers, board members, friends, and family. Your kindness helped turn compassion into action and continues to keep Austin’s light shining bright.
Together, we are spreading warmth — one sleeping bag, one smile, and one red shoe at a time.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The Austin’s Red Shoe Project Team
The Austin’s Red Shoe Project Team
Honoring Austin's Heavenly 30th Birthday Through Service
On April 29, 2025, Austin’s Red Shoe Project gathered together to celebrate what would have been Austin’s 30th birthday — a milestone we chose to honor in the most meaningful way we could imagine: through compassion, giving, and community service.
In Austin’s memory, our team volunteered at a local outreach event, serving meals to those in need. We not only gave our time and hearts, but also helped fund the event by donating money toward the cost of the meals — ensuring that everyone who came through the line was met with warmth, dignity, and care.
To further support the community and promote life-saving awareness, we also donated 100 Narcan kits, providing vital resources to help prevent overdose and save lives. This act of giving reflected Austin’s spirit — one of kindness, generosity, and hope.
It was a day filled with love, reflection, and purpose. As we served others, we felt Austin’s presence with us — in every smile, every “thank you,” and every small moment of connection.
We’re deeply grateful to our volunteers, supporters, family, and friends who continue to stand beside us, helping us keep Austin’s light shining bright through action and compassion.
Because even though he’s not here with us physically, his heart continues to guide every step we take.
With love and gratitude,
The Austin’s Red Shoe Project Team
The Austin’s Red Shoe Project Team
Donation to The Downtown Mission — June 5, 2025
On June 5, 2025, Austin’s Red Shoe Project was honored to deliver 100 hot meals to The Downtown Mission, nourishing our neighbors in need. Each meal — complete with Burger King hamburgers, fries, and apple pies — was given with love and a shared belief that everyone deserves care, dignity, and compassion.
This initiative was made possible through the incredible generosity and teamwork of our supporters. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Lisa Roy, Lisa Shultz, and Melody Even for their continued support and dedication to Austin’s Red Shoe Project. Your kindness helps us carry Austin’s legacy forward with every step we take.
We’re so grateful for our board of directors, family, and friends, whose ongoing encouragement makes it possible for us to give back in meaningful ways. Together, we’re spreading hope and comfort — one meal, one smile, and one red shoe at a time.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The Austin’s Red Shoe Project Team
The Austin’s Red Shoe Project Team
Our 1st Annual Yard Sale & BBQ — A Community Coming Together!
On September 27, 2025, Austin’s Red Shoe Project hosted our 1st Annual Yard Sale & BBQ, and what an incredible day it was! The sun was shining, the grills were sizzling, and our community came together in the true spirit of compassion and support.
From early morning setup to the last donated item sold, every moment was filled with laughter, connection, and generosity. Thanks to the amazing support of our friends, families, and neighbors, we raised $1,950.00 — funds that will go directly toward helping us continue our mission and support the initiatives that carry Austin’s legacy forward.
We are especially grateful to everyone who donated items, stopped by to shop, enjoyed some BBQ, or simply came to say hello. Your kindness and energy made the day unforgettable!
A special thank you also goes to our Board of Directors, our dedicated volunteers, and our family and friends who worked tirelessly to make this event such a success. It truly takes a village — and we’re so thankful to be surrounded by one that cares so deeply.
This first event was just the beginning, and we can’t wait to make it an annual tradition filled with even more community, connection, and hope.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The Austin’s Red Shoe Project Team
The Austin’s Red Shoe Project Team
