Footprints of Hope: How a Simple Shoe Drive Changed Lives in Zirad
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Footprints of Hope: A Simple Shoe Drive That Meant Everything in Zirad
Zirad, Raigad District | January 2026
The children of Zirad from Raigad District had a remarkable experience this week,their common school day has changed into a wonderful moment that they will cherish forever.
Little gestures can make a huge impression on our hearts. To validate this the Hiremath Family Foundation’s Social Responsibility Initiative, decided to support children and wholeheartedly contributed a brand new pair of shoes to every student in Zilla Parishad Primary School in Zirad,Raigad District.The idea of giving and sharing was initiated by Varun Hiremath, with warm heart he gave away the shoes to the children and created a magical moment with his motivating and encouraging words.
The student who resides in a rural area faces struggles and obstacles for basic necessities.The children are forced to walk long distances on unlaid and dirty roads to reach schools.The students are not even provided with proper footwear.The shoes are a mandatory item for school-going children that offers them comfort, protection and prevents the risk of wounds.Footwear is a dignity that every child deserves.
Varun Hiremath spent a few moments with students and expressed heartfelt words to them,He said“A child who feels protected walks with confidence”.It is our great responsibility to provide them with adequate and essential items to make their lives better.
A Village That Came Together
The whole event created a sense of responsibility and gathered the entire community together,which includes local leaders, teachers, parents, and villagers.The list of people who attended the event is as follows:
- Sarpanch Chotam Sheth
- Former Sarpanch Smt. Darshana Bhoir
- Former Deputy Sarpanch Mahesh Mane
- Teachers of the Zirad Primary School
- Parents and elders from the area
On behalf of the village Sarpanch Chotam Sheth expressed his thankful words,he said “We truly thank Varun Hiremath and the Hiremath family for supporting our children.This little act of kindness makes a big difference in the children’s lives and made their school going journey simple and easy.
The testimony from the day was shared by the teachers from Zirad Primary School. They said many children were excited to receive the new shoes and started to wear it immediately as soon as they got them and roamed around the school grounds happily with their friends. Another teacher described the children's happiness in a single line and she said;“Their smiles lit up the entire school,”and continued to thank the Hiremath family for their consistent support and care towards the students,she added that they also contributed study materials and sports equipment long back.
Giving That Speaks Quietly
The Hiremath Family Foundation is recognised for their utmost support for the local community,led with pure love and generosity. They genuinely contribute with regularity and they don't do it to gain popularity. Hiremath once shared these meaningful words;“We don’t focus on numbers; We focus on the lives we can touch.”
The Hiremath Foundation has created many magical moments in various schools across Raigad in the last few years. They have provided the students with the fundamental things such as
- Study materials
- Sports equipment
- Hygiene essentials
- Basic infrastructure support
The foundation had decided to reach out their hands to the villages that struggle for basic needs.They also planned to organise a school support program in 2026.
More Than Just Shoes
The event wrapped up with students adorning their new shoes and taking initial steps in them.The children ‘s happiness spread throughout the school and the day was filled with immense joy, and gratitude.The young girl from the school stated these lines happily; “Varun Sir gave us these shoes. I will wear them every day to school.”
The villages with less resources remind us that even little help can make a huge difference,that can be even in the form of new footwear.
About the Hiremath Family Foundation
Hire family foundation was founded by Varun Hiremath, which works across Maharashtra in various fields like education, sanitation, rural development, and community support. The objective of the foundation is to follow a simple idea that is understanding the area’s needs , responding with care, and making a real difference.
Website:www.hiremathfamilyfoundation.in
