About us.
In Manipur, a state in Northeast India, years of civil unrest have left many families grieving, displaced, and struggling to rebuild their lives. In 2016, an NGO called Sunbird Trust, founded by former army officers, stepped in to support those impacted.
Over the years, they’ve built over 25 "friendship schools" in Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh. However, for many children, the journey to school remains challenging. They often walk long distances, barefoot, over rough, unpaved terrain which acts as a major deterrent between them and an education.
Inspired by Sunbird Trust’s mission, we launched A Foot Ahead, a shoe drive aimed at helping these children. We noticed that many kids from relatively affluent families outgrow their shoes quickly, leaving perfectly good pairs unused at home. Our goal is simple: collect gently used shoes from schools and communities in Bangalore and get them to the children who need them most in Northeast India.
At A Foot Ahead, we handle the collection, sorting, cleaning, and packing of shoes. Sunbird Trust then steps in, managing the transport and distribution to children in need. So far, we’ve redistributed over 550 pairs of shoes, more than 1,000 sets of clothes, and countless books and toys. This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of all who’ve donated and the incredible work of Sunbird Trust. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who has helped us make a difference.
In a place where conflict and hardship are a daily reality, these children’s determination to pursue an education is truly inspiring.
Why Shoes Matter?
Imagine the courage it takes to walk 10+ kilometers each way, every single day, just to get to school. These incredible kids aren’t just walking for themselves—they’re often helping to provide for their younger siblings too. The harsh terrain tears at their bare feet, making the journey even harder. But with a sturdy pair of shoes, we can make a world of difference.
Our Mission
Collect gently used shoes from the community and redistribute them to those in need through an NGO.
Partner with a shoe brand with a CSR initiative to promote sustainability by reusing/recycling footwear.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Do you have any gently used shoes tucked away in your closet? By donating them, you can be a hero to a child in Manipur. Picture the smile on their face when they receive a brand new (to them!) pair of shoes, a symbol of comfort and hope.
Please make sure the shoes you donate are clean and in good condition.
Let’s work together to put smiles on these children's faces and help them walk confidently towards a brighter, more peaceful future.
About the founder
My name is Kanishk Gupta
I'm a 12th-grade student at TISB with a strong passion for Economics and History. I plan to major in Economics and Finance in college.
As an athlete, I thrive in tennis, football, and track and field. I serve as the Tennis Captain for my school team, with a UTR rating of 7.5. On the football field, I’m a starting player, taking on roles as right back or center back. In track and field, I compete in the 100m, 200m, relay races, long jump, triple jump, and shot put at inter-house and inter-school events.
My drive to help those in need led me to start A Foot Ahead, a project focused on collecting shoes for underprivileged children in Northeast India. What began as a simple shoe drive has since expanded to include clothes, books, toys, and other items that brighten a child’s day and support their journey forward.
Today, A Foot Ahead has grown into a dedicated team of classmates and juniors, all working together to make a positive impact on children’s lives. I believe that with the right opportunities, anyone is capable of achieving great things.
