Yesterday, the first of many shoes started to fill the Centennial Plaza on 1st St. W. in the Historic Downtown.

Christine Bashow says the target is to have 215 pairs of shoes in the memorial, one for each of the 215 children who were discovered in unmarked graves near the former Kamloops Residential School.

"Reading and learning more the last few days, I felt that our town needed to do something to honour not just those children, but all the families and communities that were affected by the residential schools," says Bashow.

The group drew hearts to mark spots where shoes can be placed. In the beginning, they laid about 40 pairs. There were also a few teddy bears and a symbolic orange t-shirt bearing the words "Every Child Matter." 

The 215 Shoes Memorial will remain on display until June 11 at 5 p.m.

Afterward, the shoes and teddy bears will be donated and are being offered first to Morley residents.