The Pedorthic Foundation is launching a new charity initiative, called “Feet for Life,” to benefit underprivileged patients with diabetes.

The foundation has been given an initial donation of 10,000 pairs of shoes, which will be provided to individuals with diabetes who have limited income and resources. The shoes will be distributed through credentialed pedorthists who sign up to participate.

The official launch of Feet for Life is scheduled to take place at a reception on Nov. 17 in Orlando, the evening before the opening of the North American Pedorthic Congress. The foundation’s board of directors expects the reception, sponsored in its inaugural year by Aetrex Worldwide, to become an annual event.

Also planned for the reception is the announcement of The Richard B. Schwartz Award, which will honor an individual or company for advancing the profession of pedorthics. The award acknowledges the more than 40 years of contributions to the pedorthic profession made by Richard B. Schwartz, CPed, who is chairman of Aetrex.

For more information, visit www.pedorthicfoundation.org.