Partnership with Shoe Aid helps tackle footwear poverty and environmental waste across the UK

We have announced our support of a Nottingham based national charity working to eliminate footwear poverty.  

Our support of Shoe Aid has seen us donate 1750 pairs of shoes over the past 2 years to the charity, alongside financial contributions to help cover rising postal and distribution costs.   

Shoe Aid collects, cleans and redistributes pre-loved and surplus footwear to men, women and children across the UK who are unable to afford suitable shoes, a barrier that can prevent people from attending school, starting work or even leaving their homes.   

In addition to shoe donations, we have been actively promoting the work of Shoe Aid within our communities. This includes outreach through local schools, partnerships with homeless charities, and collaborations with community groups to raise awareness and ensure even more people can benefit from the support Shoe Aid provides.   

Andy Hughes, CEO of Shoe Aid, said: “Shoe Aid exists to make sure that no one in the UK has to suffer the effects of footwear poverty. Footwear can take over 100 years to decompose, so every pair donated not only changes a life, it also helps protect our environment too. Support from organisations like Platform Housing Group is vital to our work. Their generous contributions of over 1,700 pairs of shoes, along with help towards our growing delivery costs, directly impact the people we serve, from children in schools to adults starting new jobs. Together, we’re changing lives and making a real difference.”   

Much of our donation effort has been co-ordinated by Chris Pinson-Bradley, Community Engagement Manager and Chair of our Fundraising Committee. Chris has personally packed his car on multiple occasions to deliver hundreds of donated shoes directly to Shoe Aid’s headquarters.    

Chris said: “It’s been a real privilege to be involved in this partnership with Shoe Aid. Every donation feels like a small act of kindness that adds up to something much bigger. Seeing how our colleagues, volunteers and even our community partnerships have come together to collect and donate shoes has been incredibly moving. It’s amazing to know the impact those shoes are having on real lives across our localities and beyond.”   

Several of our community partnerships have also rallied behind the initiative, organising local collection drives and encouraging their own teams to donate shoes; from trainers and school shoes to work boots and winter wear.   

This partnership not only provides critical support to those in need but also plays a role in tackling environmental waste. Footwear can take up to a century to decompose in landfill, repurposing it through Shoe Aid ensures that every donation has a social and environmental impact.  

To find out more about Shoe Aid and how you or your organisation can get involved, visit www.shoeaid.co.uk. 

Photo caption : L to R, Andy Hughes, CEO, Shoe Aid; Chris Reed, Community Investment Project Manager, Platform Housing Group with a volunteer.