ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Who has extra running shoes lying around their house cluttering up the place?
Instead of tossing those out, perhaps you can toss them in the washing machine, bag them up and help make the folks at The Gathering Place happy.
Taking Strides, a group co-founded by Susan Matthews and her daughter Rebecca more than a decade ago, has been collecting this footwear ever since in an effort to make a difference in people’s lives, including those at The Gathering Place.
“Last year, we collected 1,019 pairs and are hoping to beat that number this year,’’ Matthews said.
“The Gathering Place is in desperate need for footwear for their guests and we are looking to put smiles on those faces — more faces — again this year,”
If you are spring cleaning look in your back closets, basements and garages and donate those previously loved items.
“We are grateful to Susan Matthews for her ongoing support,” Joanne Thompson, executive director of The Gathering Place said Tuesday. “Last year’s donation of sneakers was a tremendous success as guests were outfitted in relatively new sneakers that fit.
“The ability to have multiple sizes available rarely happens and as a result many individuals wait quite a while for footwear or miss season appropriate footwear all together,’’ she added.
Because many of the guests at The Gathering Place rely on walking as their main mode of transportation, having comfortable shoes is particularly important. The guests often have chronic physical illnesses and having footwear that provides support and fits properly is a luxury few get to enjoy.
“Far too often, inadequate footwear complicates existing chronic illnesses,” Thompson said.
“No person in our society should stand out as ‘poorly and inadequately clothed’ because of too few donations from so many who have more than they can realistically use. The stigma of chronic mental illness, poverty and addictions is far too often perpetuated through inadequate clothing,” she added.
Having footwear with holes is always problematic, however, because the climate in Newfoundland and Labrador is harsh — adequate and weather-appropriate footwear and clothing are a necessity.
The drive has been done annually around the dates of the Tely 10 road race (July 28), working with the race committee to collect running shoes when participants came to pick up their race kits.
All Tely 10 race kit items — bib number, T-shirt, timing chips and race information — will be available for pick-up in the three days leading up to Sunday's race.
Anyone wishing to drop off shoes can do so starting on Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m., twice on Friday from 2-4 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. and Saturday from 2-5 p.m., all at the Re/Max Centre located at 135 Mayor Ave. in St. John’s.
Large sizes — in particular (Size 10 and above) — are particularly welcomed.
Anyone wishing more information can contact Taking Strides via email at [email protected].
This year’s Tely 10 will go on Sunday morning at 8 a.m. from Octagon Pond in Paradise and make its way to the finish on Bannerman Road in downtown St. John's.
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