November 15, 2023
The past 12 months have been filled with uncertainty and nervousness for many, and with all that's been going on, we think it's about time we report on some positive news! Here at shoezone, we take pride in teaming up with a number of charities, whether this be through online or in-store customer donations, links with the shoezone Trust or fundraising at our Head Office and stores. Both loyal customers and dedicated employees are to thank for all of our tremendous achievements for several charities, so we wanted to share some of our stories from the past year with you...
The National Emergencies Trust's mission is to support those affected by a national emergency at their time of greatest need. They have also launched a fundraising campaign for those most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak which has helped many of those most vulnerable amidst the pandemic. The support that NET have provided has been phenomenal, transforming donations into supplying emergency food, mental and physical health support, safe accommodation and specialist telephone and web-based advice services. At shoezone, we recently began raising money for the National Emergencies Trust via our in-store charity boxes and online donations. Over the festive period we also launched our 'Christmas Card Appeal', encouraging those at Head Office to instead donate the money they would otherwise spend on Christmas cards to NET, which was a great success. So far, we've managed to donate £55,000 to the National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Appeal thanks to all your help!
Christmas is always a time for giving, and can be a particularly tough time for those less fortunate on an average year, yet alone during a pandemic. This year, Sarah Cobley from shoezone Head Office organised a collection for a local food bank in Leicester, and everyone put in a tremendous effort in order to donate essentials to those who need them during Christmas time. Collectively, team members at Head Office managed to fill around 10 huge boxes and multiple bags full of food that was given to the food bank to brighten up several people's Christmas.
Over the past few years we have been selling Amantani bracelets in many of our stores as part of the Ethical Trade Project. The Ethical Trade Project consists of 47 artisans from the Ccorca, Peru producing over 3,000 bracelets each month which are now being sold in shops in both Peru and shoezone stores across the UK. 100% of each sale goes towards helping children from the Ccorca region of Peru receive both primary and secondary education and the Amantani's bracelets have become an important source of income for the artisans who make them. By supporting this project, we have contributed towards Amantani helping over 350 children receive both primary and secondary education, which is a massive achievement. Following the impact of covid, Amantani have had to pause the production of bracelets, with the aim to carry on as normal as soon as possible; their focus currently remains on ensuring the continued education of those who have had to put their studies on hold by providing resources for remote learning.
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.