In June 2014 former refugee and professional footballer Awer Mabil & his brother, South Sudanese ‘Lost Boy’ Awer Bul, return to Kakuma Refugee Camp, in north-western Kenya, to donate football shirts.
In August 2014 Awer Mabil briefs businessman Ian Smith, while attending Adelaide United training camp in Alice Springs, on his vision to help refugees.
In December 2014 Awer Mabil, Awer Bul and Ian Smith meet & name project “Barefoot to Boots” (BTB).
In April 2015 Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop launches Barefoot to Boots in Adelaide & offers support for its forthcoming visit to Kakuma through Australian High Commission in Kenya.
2015
In June 2015, BTB takes 500kg football gear to Kakuma, supported by FFA & local FFSA clubs.
During BTB’s first trip discussions with NGOs and refugees highlight the opportunity to support football, health, education & gender-equality initiatives.
Foundations laid for long-term relationships with UNHCR, LWF, IRC & other NGOs.
2016
In January 2016 Ian Smith visits Lebanon and Turkey, as part of Friendly Nation Initiative (to employ Syrians settling in Australia) & provides football gear and sleeping bags to refugees.
Football Ambassadors from professional clubs in Australia join BTB’s efforts.
Discussions commence between BTB & Ugandan-based social enterprise AfriPads, given urgent need for sanitary pads for women.
Corporate supporters also begin to partner with BTB (now include Deloitte, GenesisCare, Arnold Bloch Leibler, Liberty House, RACV).
In June 2016 BTB returns to Kakuma, accompanied by the Australian High Commissioner H.E. John Feakes, with laptops (from Deloitte) and football gear.
A visit to Kakuma General Hospital highlights urgent needs in maternity ward.
In September 2016 BTB attends private sector events during President Obama’s Refugee Summit at UN HQ, New York.
In October 2016 BTB buys incubators in Nairobi & donates to Kakuma General Hospital.
In November 2016 BTB establishes high-quality Board – Ian Smith (Chairman), Margaret Jackson, Moya Dodd, Louise Steinfort, Awer Bul.
In December 2016 BTB returns to Kakuma for third time. It also visits newly-established Kalobeyei Camp. Schools and youth groups receive more laptops & football gear.
Another visit to Kakuma General Hospital identifies need for oxygen supply while school visits highlight demand for more basic education equipment.
2017
In February 2017 BTB gains Not-For-Profit & Direct-Gift-Recipient status
In June 2017 BTB visits Bidi Bidi Camp, Uganda, & returns to Kakuma & Kalobeyei with computers, dignity kits (funded by GenesisCare), notepads & pens (funded by RACV) & football gear.
BTB Founder Awer Mabil also becomes Patron of Barefoot to Boots.
