As part of a social action project, participants were challenged to come up with an idea that would help people in their community but outside of their social group.
The participants decided to do something that helps people less fortunate than themselves. Coaches worked with a group of young people to find out what they believed to be important and what they were passionate about, but what others may not have. They decided that they love to buy trainers and owned many pairs – a lot of which they didn’t even wear anymore, but recognised that others might not even own a pair.
They encouraged their fellow participants, as well as family and friends to donate trainers, which were collected at Foundation sessions and at the Wolves fan park on matchdays.
Spencer a Kicks participant who was part of the project group said: “I’ve been very surprised by how many people have donated their trainers. I never thought it would get this much exposure, everyone has been so nice to us.”
Partners from local charity, The Good Shepherd visited Molineux earlier this week to collect the trainers and will distribute to people who need them most.
Inclusion and cohesion officer, Luke Shearing who oversees the Kicks project, said: “Not only have we been astonished by the amount of trainers and shoes people have donated, but also by the condition of them – some of them are like new!
“It’s also pleasing that we had such a wide variety of footwear, including trainers, shoes and slippers, which will allow The Good Shepherd to help a whole range of ages and genders.”
Helen Holloway from The Good Shepherd said: “We are so grateful to the Wolves Foundation for collecting so many trainers. We work with individuals who are living below the poverty line and don’t always wear appropriate footwear.
“We see many individuals with various foot problems, this ranges from wrong sized shoes and soles worn so thinly they have holes in. It will be fantastic to replace both shoes and socks and give individuals the dignity which they deserve.”
Inclusion and cohesion manager, Lee Smith added: “When we set the target of 200 shoes, we thought it would be ambitious but was something we wanted to aspire to. We all take a great sense of fulfilment that we have been able to provide support to people in the city and make such a positive impact.”
