“Landfill is cheap in Australia” is what I was told by an Australian Authority this week while researching alternative waste management options for the old and damaged shoes donated to us that cannot be worn by individuals. While we are lucky and don’t receive a lot of waste is comparison to some charitable organisations, we still have waste we need to manage on a weekly basis which is costly in both time and money.

Landfill is NOT cheap and it impacts all Australians. I am pleased to share that since shoe donations began in September 2011 more than 30,000kgs of shoes have been saved from prematurely ending up in landfill in Australia. That is more than 70,000 pairs of shoes which have found new life and a new home – helping to improve health, education, employment and sporting opportunities. Thank you!

It is important in countries like Australia that we continue to seek waste management alternatives in addition to “Reduce, Re-use and Recycle”. Through the donation of shoes not only are you supporting people in improving health and therefore opportunities, but you also reduce items prematurely ending up in landfill.

On another note, when deciding on which shoes to donate “What shoes can be donated?” is a question asked by many of our supporters.

I think the best and easiest way to think about the shoes you are donating is to ask yourself ”Would I give these shoes to a friend or family member to have and wear?”

Types of shoes which are great for our recipients include: Sneakers, Sports specific shoes (e.g. footy boots, cricket shoes, athletic running shoes etc.), Crocs, Thongs/Slides, Work Shoes, School shoes and more.

We do have a few things we can’t use for micro-enterprise or one-on-one giving, therefore please NO: Uggs, Slippers, High Stilettoes, Women’s Fashion boots, Shoes with holes in the soles or tops.

To ensure our work can continue to change lives, all shoes donated must be accompanied with a gold coin donation to sponsor their transport, distribution and other associated costs. However much we want to, the only way we can accept the shoes is with a gold coin donation as this provides the means for our work to continue and to support more lives in our community.

If you have any questions or would like more information on running a shoe collection through your workplace, school or community group it would be great to hear from you. Please email butterflymovement@live.com.au.

Thank you for your support,
Dalice Kennedy
Chief Executive