Meet Our Kids
Friendship is an important part of a child’s social‐emotional development. From our friends we learn to share, to listen, and to express our feelings. But most importantly, our friends give us a sense of belonging. Read about some amazing friendships that have been developed through The Friendship Foundation and by the support of the SKECHERS Friendship Walk.
PHOTO CREDITS: Lauren Pressey Photography
Mateo & Kai
Meet Kai, a 4th-grade baseball enthusiast from Anza Elementary, and Mateo, an 8th-grader at Adams Middle School who dreams of becoming a police officer. What started as a summer buddy pairing has blossomed into a genuine friendship filled with adventure and connection. Kai treasures every moment spent with Mateo, from creating bracelets together to their favorite activity of swinging side by side, while Mateo finds pure happiness in playing sports and sharing laughter with his younger buddy. Their bond transcends their age difference, with Kai's natural gift for "talking to people and making new friends" perfectly complementing Mateo's dream superpower of making "anyone laugh." Through five years at Friendship Foundation, Mateo has discovered the delight of meaningful connections, while Kai has learned that volunteering isn't just about having fun—it's about creating lasting friendships that fill both their hearts with happiness.
