PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — During the holy month of Ramadan, it’s said that good deeds are multiplied by 10. Ramadan has ended, but for Salim Weldon, also known as "Good Deed" Salim, the giving is still going.
"We gave away 150 pairs of sneakers, 150 Whimsicles," said Weldon.
A Whimsicle is a healthy frozen treat, made from organic fruits and other ingredients, using less sugar. Weldon is a co-owner of Whimsicle Gourmet Fruit Pops, which makes them.
"Our goal is to fight childhood obesity and diabetes," he said.
The snacks may be low-sugar, but Whimsicle's collaboration with Anthony Steele of Footlocker and In House Design Co. earlier this week brought high-energy smiles to kids' masked faces at Masjidulah in Mt. Airy.
"Just seeing some of the kids’ faces — they were dancing," Weldon said.
Weldon says there's nothing to start off a summer better than a fresh pair of kicks and a frozen Whimsicle.
"When you dress nice, you feel good, you look good, you’re positive — especially with the sun outside," he said.
The free sneakers included Nike, Adidas and Vans.
"A lot of times, the youth need to see somebody that looks just like them, giving back, that’s popular," he said. "I still kind of dress like them. I like tie-dye. I still wear Jordans."
Weldon says kids need to see somebody positively affecting their community instead of all the negative images they see in the media. And he says, as a business owner, it’s important to give back to those who support him.
"And God blesses those who give back," he said, "so the more you give, the more you’ll receive."
Weldon says he hopes these kids will one day pay their blessing forward to someone else.