Courtesy Leon Moi-Thuk-Shung
My story starts off as a young immigrant boy who earned money to help his mom and younger sister pay bills by working a summer construction job. We barely had enough to pay rent and buy food let alone to buy good working boots, so I struggled along for years wearing boots with holes, rain snow or shine (never knowing waterproof boots existed). I saw the older gentlemen wearing Red Wings along the way but could never afford a pair of my own. They would always tell me “these are for professionals only, Kid.”
I eventually made a career out of construction and, two years ago, after sleeping on a line for two days in the middle of February, I was able to become an apprentice for local 731. My initial reason for construction was to help my mom, but it turned into a career. Even though my mom passed away from breast cancer, the motivation she taught me has helped me in my career. After saving for months I was finally able to buy my first pair of Red Wings. No longer suffering from cold, wet feet. Thank you.–Leon Moi-Thuk-Shung
