STEPPING UP to Footwear Poverty
There is a place where thousands of men, women, and children 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, and that place is the UK.
This September, Shoe Aid will begin its fundraising campaign to raise awareness about footwear poverty, with a particular focus on school shoes and Trainers. We aim to raise awareness about footwear poverty and encourage people to focus on the challenges and impact it has. In September this year, there are five Tuesdays (we are calling them SHOESDAYS) where people can organise events to raise funds for combating footwear poverty. This means there are five opportunities to participate, and everyone is welcome to join in one or all of the days.
Shoe Aid supports charities both here in the UK and internationally by providing footwear for all purposes to those most in need and struggling financially. We send requests to retail brands, wholesalers, and manufacturers, asking them to donate various types of footwear, including end-of-line items, samples, and once-worn footwear. Shoe Aid then proactively finds charities, social and community enterprises to donate footwear items, from school shoes to everyday shoes for everyday wear.
We want to encourage people to wear ODD SHOES for one or all the SHOESDAYS. They can also wear NO SHOES. Sharing images from these events/days across social media should help raise awareness about the issue of footwear poverty.
People will not be limited to NO SHOES or ODD SHOES; we are looking for people to be creative, too. We invite people to help highlight the issues and challenges of footwear poverty in the UK and worldwide.
As well as shoe/footwear donations, we are asking for monetary donations to support Shoe Aids’ work. This would be (voluntary) a small amount from each person who wears ODD SHOES or NO SHOES or donates items or footwear.
People and organisations could also have competitions, and quizzes (footwear themed) to raise funds for Shoe Aid and footwear poverty. There are no limitations, we will ask everyone to #Tag #SteppingUP2FootwearPoverty.
Shoe Aid relies on footwear donations to deliver its service to those in need. We ensure all our footwear is ‘Fit for Purpose’ and donate new and used items ‘Free of Charge’. Whilst the service is ‘Free’ Shoe Aid is not free to operate.
Poverty of any kind is not voluntary, part-time or at weekends only, Shoe Aid has volunteers who help sort and clean donated footwear in readiness. However, to help more people and organisations, Shoe Aid needs to operate ‘Full Time’ to meet the needs and demands of men, women, children and families who don’t have suitable footwear to part in everyday life.
“One parent told us, ‘Shoes shouldn’t be the reason a child doesn’t go to school but they are.”
One of our partners described the Shoe Aids’ impact by saying, “We didn’t realise how deep this need was. When families receive the shoes, they’re often in tears. It’s a relief they didn’t know they needed until they had it.”
“A family support worker explained, “The families I work with often are on a low income or have multiple children, and the financial pressure of ensuring their children have the correct fitting shoes all the time can be a huge worry. The families I support have always been very thankful for the service and have shared how pleased they are that the shoes match what they requested”.
“A Nottingham City social worker added, “Shoe Aid was an invaluable service over winter when my homeless clients needed hardwearing footwear… Andy sourced a large number of walking boots, which our service users so greatly appreciated.” We are deeply aware of the barriers our beneficiaries face, whether that’s financial hardship, housing instability or discrimination, and we tailor our support to meet their needs“
“As one referring school shared, “To see a child’s face when they come to me with shoes that are broken or worn beyond repair, and to receive a brand new pair of shoes is priceless… helping children to feel confident in school helps them to concentrate and achieve in the classroom”.
“Ultimately, Shoe Aid supports people who are excluded, struggling and often overlooked, and we do it in a way that restores dignity, reduces shame and gives people something practical and life-changing. Footwear may seem simple, but for those we support, it’s a gateway to health, confidence, education and connection”.
STEPPING UP, making a difference and changing lives
Authentic images of footwear worn by school children
