News & Releases >> Sep 17 2006
NEWS Sep 17 2006
Shoes 4 Malawi (second year)
Build a Mountain for Malawi at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon this weekend!
Dave Morrison, an ex-GTAer and a runner, has moved to Malawi, Africa to work with the AIDS orphans. Now that he is there he has seen many needs. One specific need is the need for footwear. Many go barefoot and travel on thorn-infested paths. The result is cut and infected feet. For people suffering from AIDS these infections are devastating.
Being a runner David knows what a pair of shoes look like after they are "done" as a marathon training shoe. Often there is lots of life and tread left in them—just not a lot of cushioning. These shoes are a welcome sight in Malawi. Last year we sent over 200 pairs to Malawi—they were gone in days.
This year we want to do far more. A container of supplies is leaving on October 7th for Malawi. We want to fill every inch of excess space with shoes, hats, and t-shirts.
As a bonus to the recipient please tuck a bar of soap in each pair of shoes. The orphans cannot afford soap and the soap reduces the chance of infection (and helps the shoes smell a lot better).
We are asking for your used but not dead running shoes. Please remove any orthotics, and ensure that the insole is in place. Do not worry if they are not clean. They will be cleaned in Africa. Also if you have one too many t-shirts or hats that you received from running events we will be collecting these as well. Please bring new t-shirts and hats only.
There will be a drop off location at the OASIS Expo at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Front St. on Friday, September 22nd (11am to 8pm) and Saturday the 23rd (10am to 6pm) and at the Metro Hall Start/Finish area at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday the 24th from 6am to 3pm.