Recycle your old shoes
Give your old running shoes a new lease of life by donating them for a good cause, writes Lili Lajman
WHEN it comes to footwear, sports and fitness enthusiasts often look for and invest in shoes that promise an excellent fit, great comfort, and the capability to maximise performance as well as minimise the risk of injury. And if you are a keen runner, chances are your shoe cabinet would be filled with running shoes on top of the assortment of staple pairs meant for casual outings, formal engagements or work.
It has been observed that regular runners replace their running shoes after clocking in certain mileage, typically 600 to 800km. How- ever, most of the time, these shoes are still in relatively good condition; thus, it will be a waste to dispose of them. This is the reason why Running Lab decided to provide an avenue for runners to give their used running shoes a second life.
In 2010, the specialty running store organised Project Love Sneaker, a shoe donation drive to let people donate their “retired” running shoes that are still in good condition for a worthy cause and make a difference to the lives of the less fortunate.
First started in Singapore in 2010, this donation drive was also held in 2011, 2012 and 2017 in Malaysia. Over the years, it has gained traction and interest not only within the running communities but also among the general public.
DONATE FOR CHARITY
This year, Project Love Sneaker is held from April 1 to 30 at all Running Lab stores. This initiative is in collaboration with Shoe Mo, a shoe and sneaker cleaning, repairing, repainting, and customisation brand.
Year on year, the number of shoes collected increases steadily. After all, with the growing public interest and participation in running events that are organised nationwide throughout the year, there are more people with running shoes now than before.
Running Lab hopes to inspire as many individuals as it can to contribute to the cause. Project Love Sneaker’s goal for 2018 is to collect 2,000 pairs of shoes to help as many of the less fortunate as possible.
All shoes collected will be donated to Community Recycle for Charity to help individuals in need.
Donate your used running shoes that are clean and still in usable condition during the donation drive and be rewarded with a RM100 voucher which you can use to buy a new pair of running shoes.
Drop off locations are Running Lab Pavilion, Lot 5.102.02, Level 5, Pavilion Elite, Kuala Lumpur and Running Lab 1Utama, LG307A, 1Utama Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur.