As we await the safe return of Brittney Griner, the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, in partnership with Fry’s Food Stores, are proud to support the causes made possible by BG.
In celebration of Brittney’s birthday today, the Suns and Mercury announced they will continue BG’s Heart & Sole Shoe Drive at the upcoming Suns home matchup against the Golden State Warriors on October 25 at Footprint Center.
Fans are encouraged to bring gently used shoes to the game on October 25 to support the Phoenix Rescue Mission in BG’s name. Doors to the game will open at 5 p.m. for PayPal SixthMan Members at 5:30 p.m. for general public.
Through a season-long drive, the Mercury collected more than 3,200 pairs of new and gently used shoes and raised more than $27,000 to benefit Phoenix Rescue Mission this summer. This season’s drive collected more than the first four years of the program combined (approximately 2,000 pairs).
The team partnered with Phoenix Rescue Mission for three distribution events throughout the season, where Mercury players, coaches, staff and fans distributed shoes, hygiene kits, water and other resources to those in need across the Valley.
A commitment from fellow WNBA teams saw similar shoe drives in 10 different markets with more than 3,400 pairs collected. These donations benefited 11 community organizations: Covenant House LA, the Julian Center, Mary’s Place, New London Homeless Hospitality Center, the Promise House, Shade Tree Shelter, Sharing Shoes, Soles4Souls, the Sports Shed, the Wheeler Mission Center for Women and Children and Concord Neighborhood Center and YouthLink.
Griner founded BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive in 2016 after seeing unhoused persons in the Phoenix summer without shoes. Always one to lead with her heart, BG’s request was simply to drive around with shoes in her trunk in case she saw someone in need. That idea along with her willingness to accept help, led to the Mercury organization establishing a shoe drive with help from its X-Factor fanbase, BG’s teammates and the Phoenix Rescue Mission. Each year Griner joined the Phoenix Rescue Mission’s mobile “Hope Coach” and delivered shoes and other resources directly to individuals in need throughout the community. Since arriving in Phoenix in 2013, Griner has been recognized multiple times with the WNBA Community Assist Award for her impact in the community.