Barefoot walk for refugees
AN AUTHOR is to walk five miles through Hinckley barefoot to highlight the “desperate” need Syrian refugees have for shoes.
Desford author Stewart Bint, who regularly walks without shoes, is tackling the challenge on behalf of the Hinckley Refugee Crisis.
The 60-year-old hopes the walk, on July 3, will raise awareness of the plight of refugees and encourage residents to donate shoes and other items.
He said: “I have no idea of the terrain the group are imposing on me during the walk, which is also a powerful way of symbolising the uncertain fate of the refugees.
“Whatever your thoughts about the politics of whether refugees should be allowed to settle in Britain, you can’t ignore the fact that they are human beings.
“And something as simple as a pair of shoes, which we all take for granted, will mean so much to them.”
Hinckley Refugee Crisis was formed on Facebook at the end of last year after residents were horrified by scenes portrayed in the media.
Scores of Hinckley residents donated items of clothing and toiletries to families fleeing their war-torn countries.
The group, in partnership with charity Feed the Hungry and Leicester-based volunteer group LE Solidarity, has delivered aid to refugee camps around the world including Greece, Syria, Germany and France.
But the volunteers say there is an increasing demand for shoes in refugee camps.
The group said: “The most common request refugees make is for shoes. There’s thick mud everywhere, and the only footwear some of them have are flip flops or completely inappropriate shoes.
“The crisis continues and there are people still in desperate need of help.”
Sturdy shoes such as walking boots or trainers in sizes seven, eight and nine are the most sought after.
To donate visit the Work Link shop on Regent Street, Hinckley.
Other drop off zones will be announced soon.
For more information visit barefoot4refugees. co.uk