Call for communities to step forward and donate to Shoebiz Appeal

Issued by University of Leicester Press Office on 13 April 2012

A University of Leicester graduate is involved in a project that will raise funds for charity by recycling old shoes.

Matthew McCarthy, who studied Politics at the University of Leicester, is involved in Shoebiz – which aims to raise £100,000 annually.

Clarks, in partnership with UNICEF UK, has been running a Shoebiz appeal since 2007. Customers are able to donate their old and unwanted shoes at Clarks stores and these are then recycled with 100% of the money generated going to the appeal.

With the support of Shoebiz, UNICEF is working towards a world where all children have access to education, helping the most vulnerable children in some of the remotest communities. As a result, in 2011 UNICEF was able to supply 166,000 ‘schools in a box’ to 31 countries. Shoebiz aims to raise funds so that programmes such as these can continue to be supported.

Mr McCarthy,  who works for Clarks, said:  “The Shoebiz appeal has been hugely successful over the years, but it is important this success is built upon to help educate children across the world. That’s why we want to encourage donations in the Leicester area.”

Shoebiz bins and resources are available for local schools, youth centres and village halls that want to support and set up collection points for donations of unwanted footwear. For more information on how you can help contact your local Clarks store.