Rotary ‘steps’ up shoe collection campaign in Solihull

The Rotary Club is looking to collect as many shoes as possible ahead of ‘STEPTEMBER,’ an initiative introduced by Shoe Aid. In the last five years of working with the charity the Club has collected more than 2,500 pairs of footwear.

Shoe Aid is tackling the problem by educating on the importance of recycling and repurposing footwear, while at the same time distributing tens of thousands of pairs of shoes to over 15 countries around the world. Its aim is to reduce the number of shoes being thrown away into landfill by increasing shoe donations through supporters of the charity with collection points.

Andy Hughes, of Shoe Aid, said: “When we launched our STEPTEMBER fundraising and charity awareness campaign in 2020 Phil and fellow Rotarians of the Solihull rallied to support our cause. In the four years since that launch the Rotary club of Solihull have continued to support Shoe Aid with the collection of fit for purpose footwear which is used to support men women and children in the UK affected by the economic downturn and the cost of living.

“Not only does this footwear support those in need but it also has a direct impact on the environment, by repurposing it waste is reduced. Rotary have continued to support Shoe Aid’s work and we are deeply humbled by their hard work and endeavours.”

Shoes can be handed in at St Helen's Church in St Helen’s Road, or by calling Rotarian Phil Godfrey on 07770 406870 or email him on [email protected], to arrange collection. They are then distributed by Shoe Aid throughout the UK within two days and soon find a home where they can be put to good use.

Phil said: “At Solihull Rotary Club we are continuing our quest to collect shoes for all ages, male or female, sports shoes through to boots and formal shoes, and have now collected around 250 sacks of shoes.

“This charity seemed to us, of vital importance, to all ages and sexes, as having shoes are a very basic need of all people. We ‘dispose’ of two million items of footwear each week.This time of year is particularly important as most children have new shoes ready for returning to school in September.

“We felt that helping people with shoes, is a way that we can really help people to take a step in the right direction, with the confidence of a good pair of shoes.”

The following footwear is required: Trainers, football boots, walking and outdoor shoes/boots, Wellingtons (men’s, ladies and children), safety footwear (men’s and women’s), men’s functional shoes, ladies functional shoes, children’s school shoes, children’s outdoor shoes, children’s functional everyday shoes, slippers, flip flops, anything that is footwear related, even roller blades, ice skates and horse riding boots!

It is estimated that there are around 1.5 billion people throughout the world without proper shoes and 70 million children across the world are deprived from education due to not having shoes. In the UK alone there are thousands of men, women, and children who wear footwear that is not fit for purpose. And at least 280,000 homeless people (10,000 living on the streets) have no shoes or shoes that are falling to pieces. This equates to four children in a class of 30 not having proper shoes.

To find out more about the STEPTEMBER Campaign or make donations, visit HERE.

For more information on the work of Solihull Rotary Club visit HERE.