Raptors' Pascal Siakam Gives Back To Toronto Youth With $25K & Sneakers

What began as a shoe drive to connect adolescents around the city through streetwear-adjacent sneakers, Kickback has now evolved into a youth-led organization that continues to break barriers for children through experiences that are both educational and relatable. 

“It’s a surreal feeling to experience when one of our city’s greatest heroes recognizes what we’re doing,” said Kickback founder Jamal Burger. “Kickback is the community as a whole, and this donation makes it clear that PS43 and Pascal cares about the kids. My optimism is on high when thinking about the future knowing that our kids’ favourite player will play a huge part in our impact.”

Since its inception in 2016, the Toronto-based nonprofit has collected more than 10,000 pairs of shoes, giving 4,000 to charity and equipping children across the globe with more than 6,000 pairs of sneakers. 

Aside from building up sneaker collections for the youth, Kickback has also worked to give back to the younger generation through workshops and events tailored specifically to them.

While these plans were initially set to take place during the holidays, COVID-19 restrictions interfered. However, it didn’t alter the company’s commitment to a cause that matters.

“The Kickback Foundation is incredible for both its local and global outreach,” said Siakam. “Coming from humble beginnings, where sneakers were scarce to find or have in Africa, I could not be happier to support a cause that exemplifies ambition at a high level and helps make sport, art, and life skills accessible to underserved communities. This allows youth to feel confident; this is what life is about; helping each other in as many ways as possible, especially our youth.”

Click here to learn more about Kickback.