Shoes for a cause

GSC accepting new and gently-used shoes as part of its Funds2Orgs fundraiser

The Great Swamp Conservancy has collected 17bags of gently worn, used shoes for its fundraiser.

The Great Swamp Conservancy of Canastota has collected 17 bags of gently worn, used and new shoes for a major fundraiser that will provide funds for GSC environmental programming and in turn, will help support families in developing nations to start micro enterprises that will create a sustainable income for families to be used for food, shelter and education.

Funds2Orgs will pay the GSC based on the total weight of all the shoes the organization collects. All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of microenterprise partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families.

Donating the shoes also keeps them out of landfills, where an estimated 600 million pairs of shoes end up in America, many of which are still wearable.

The Great Swamp is still collecting shoes for those who wish to donate, with a goal of 2,500 by March 25. The GSC’s Winter Hibernation Festival will allow free admission into the Festival on Feb. 16 if each adult and child brings in five pairs of gently worn, used or new shoes.

Those who wish to drop shoes off at any other time can do so at the Canastota, Chittenango, Sherrill, and Bridgeport libraries, Oneida and Fayetteville YMCAs, and the Great Swamp Conservancy.

“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said GSC Assistant Director Rusty Patane. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets and they would like to donate themto the GSC. By doing so, we raise money for the various educational programs that we offer and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

PHOTO COURTESY THE GREAT SWAMP CONSERVANCY The Great Swamp Conservancy has collected hundreds of shoes in an ongoing fundraiser to benefit the GSC’s environmental education programs as well as micro enterprises in developing nations.