Secondhand shoes wanted

Jill Taylor, New Zealand manager of Shoes for Planet Earth, with donated shoes collected for those in need. Photo / Supplied

Good-quality secondhand shoes are being collected in Rotorua for those in need.

Rebel Sport and Stirling Sports Rotorua have a collection box for people wanting to donate their shoes as part of the Shoes for Planet Earth charity.

New Zealand manager Jill Taylor said the non-profit organisation started in 2009 in Australia. Her son was a trustee.

It originally gave shoes to those in poorer countries, before seeing there was a real need at home.

"[Two years ago] we thought it would be really good to do it in New Zealand and, with the support and encouragement of the organisation, started it here," she said.

Mrs Taylor is based in Te Awamutu and has collected shoes from her local drop-off points and distributed them to Work and Income, Salvation Army, Women's Refuge and other charities which could benefit.

She said she wanted to also start a walking group for people in need to help them feel better about themselves.

"Some people don't understand that people just can't afford to buy shoes. Once the box is full, our local collector Michele will take them for distribution to those in need."

Since this had started in New Zealand, 2500 shoes had been handed out.

"This is not just a one-off project it will always be there for the people," she said.

-Good-quality secondhand shoes can be dropped off at Rebel Sport Rotorua on Victoria St or Stirling Sports Rotorua on Tutanekai St.