Yellowknife (Dec 22/06) - A $5,000 donation will help the Salvation Army continue washing the feet of the homeless.

Lynn White of Whiteworks Policy Planning and Evaluation presented the cheque last Wednesday, after learning from the volunteers how much people were benefitting from the program.

"I recognized that they were really helping, they were giving the gift of compassion," said White.

"I'm giving the gift of money."

Nursing students Mike Goerzen and Candice Bulmer started the program a year ago while doing their practicum at the Salvation Army.

It began as a sock exchange program, but the student nurses noticed the severe problems many residents were having with their feet.

Marren Pluchinski, director of Community Services said many people who use the Salvation Army's services are wearing shoes that are too small or have holes, which can lead to frostbite and other problems. In one instance, the student nurses noticed a broken toe and were able to refer the individual to medical attention. She said that the early intervention may have prevented much more serious problems from developing.

"A lot of residents can't afford shoes that fit," said Pluchinski.

"If they're alcoholics, they don't think about their feet."

Since the program started, volunteers have washed 311 pairs of feet.