A Winnipeg artist is using her creativity to bring joy and hope to children fighting life-threatening illnesses.
Yashan Wu, owner of Unboxed Customs, a custom footwear business, has partnered with the Dream Factory to provide a few children with the shoes of their dreams.
"2025 came and I thought I should maybe do something philanthropic and give back to the community," said Wu.
She knew that adult shoes were pricey, so when she came across Dream Factory, which grants wishes to children diagnosed with terminal illnesses, she knew exactly what she wanted to do.
"They just need a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel," said Wu. "I've decided to connect with them one-on-one to find out what they really like. Whether it's the Winnipeg Jets or pizza and burgers, I'm putting it on shoes to spark a little joy at the end for them."
Wu has created a GoFundMe to collect between $2,000 and $2,500 to purchase the shoes. From there she will design and paint 50 pairs of shoes, which she will start handing out next month.
"So the first batch is coming on April 4 and we've raised almost enough money to complete 50 pairs before the end of June."
Anyone interested in helping with his initiative is encouraged to visit the Happy Feet initiative GoFundMe page.
"This initiative isn't just about shoes; it's about creating moments of happiness, individuality, and empowerment for these children as they navigate challenging times. Every pair of sneakers is a reminder of joy, strength, and community support."
Next year, Wu hopes to partner with an Indigenous-owned company or organization to create custom shoes surrounding truth and reconciliation.
To learn more about Unboxed Customs visit her webpage or find out more on Instagram.