14 replies to this topic

[CRL]

Every now and then a thread pops up about what to do with old runners. (not the person kind, the shoe kind ;) ).

I just walked (ahem yes, walked) past the Nike store in Melbourne, and one of their front windows is part-way filled with old shoes. They're calling for people to donate their old runners to be recycled into things like basketball court surfaces, etc.

It's the first collection like this I've heard about in Melbourne, just thought other CRs might be interested.

[Jogger]

yes I was passed a newspaper clipping from 28-oct-2003 about the reuse-a-shoe scheme. A great idea - just wish they'd promote it. How did they get all those shoes ?

Of course the nike australia website is hard to use so I couldn't get any answers.

[Jogger]

Although I launched the Recycled Runners website on 19th May, it is only now that there is anything there of much interest to read.

Certainly I am looking for runners and/or clubs in all parts of the country to start their own collections (we can work out how to get them to me here at an appropriate time).

Anyway, please read the website and start saving your old shoes.

Our main success to date is the 100 pairs donated to runners and high school students in Vanuatu in July this year.

Needless to say a bunch of people helped the project to date, not least of which was CoolRunner Hannah who designed the spiffy logo.

[supersam]

Thanks for the info guys. I just cleaned 4 pairs of retired runners but didn't know who I could give them to. Their still in decent condition.
Kevin, are there any drop off points in Victoria yet?

[Virtual]

Re. Drop points for Victoria. I'd be happy to be the Victorian rep for the program if a vacancy exists.

In terms of logistics I have some ideas here too. eg. I'll be in Canberra (driving up) on the 20th November for the triple tri. 11th March for 6 foot.

If we were to start amassing large quantities I'm sure we could get a freight company to provide pro bono transportation services due to the charity/good cause that we are supporting...

[slowaz]

Kevin I assume you are after runners for little feet as well as big feet in which case I can try and help get Little Aths (Vic) involved. Am VP of a centre but would be interested to see if the association might be able do something as well.

[jegster]

if there is a drop off point in Victoria, right away I have two pairs I can donate, plus can get the Charity minded Coburg Harriers to pull their considerable resources and donate all of their own old shoes. Lets get a campaign going, guys

[Jogger]

Slowaz, this page says: "We will take any running or cross-training shoes, child, adult, whatever, in any condition. However we don't take ordinary shoes nor clothing." - so yes Kids shoes would be gratefully accepted.

Others - yes please start collecting. We can work out how to get them to and fro. Enough people travel by car between places that we can arrange that.

If we collect too many I have been in contact with the group in Boulder Colardo with their African contacts, although I like the idea of distributing them in the Pacific.

Maybe for the time being, can someoen in VIC speak to a running store in Melbourne about a bin people can leave shoes in (I can produce some flyers for them to display ?)

And/Or getting clubs involved eg Little Aths or Coburg - that would be neat.

I have this plan to aprpoach Rebel or Athletes Foot for nationwide drop offs but want to get a head of steam first.

[jegster]

if someone wanted to produce a flyer, the Coburg Harriers would love to distribute it at the NorthWest region we compete at (about ten clubs), plus at our various workplaces

In addition, we wouldn't mind becoming the northern suburbs "depot" for such a scheme, if someone had some way of getting our stash up to Sydney

[Jogger]

Jegster,

1) I guarantee to have a general flyer on the website tonight (edit: or Weds night)

2) Yes please - be the northern depot. Please let me know what the details are (eg coburg harriers, at xyz track on abc evenings from 5pm to 6pm or whatever - then I can update the website.

3) I guarantee when you have too many to hold on to (you decide what that figure is) I will work out how to get them to Sydney.

[jegster]

Coburg Harriers
Harold Stevens Athletics Track
Outlook Road, Coburg (behind the basketball stadium)
Melways Reference 18A9
Tuesday's & Thursday's from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

[Jogger]

Jegster,

I have flyer than can be downloaded from our and I updated our locations page to show the Coburg Harriers and a link to your website.

[Jogger]

Just an update on this project.

A CoolRunner from Perth contacted me to say he was spending Xmas visting family in Papua New Guinea and that they have been encouraging the locals to go running - who are all barefeet and would appreciate some old running shoes. We have sent 15 pairs to him to distribute to the running group in the village there. Many thanks to all those (mainly Sydney area, and mainly Striders) that have donated.

[Horrie]

I'm glad you've reminded me about this Kev. Belinda wants me to get rid of the shoes I don't run in any more. I've probably got 3 or 4 pairs that I could pass on. I will bring them to Beyond the Black Stump on New Years Day if I don't see you before then.

[Dazza K]

Kev,

Bring a trailer to Black Stump - We've got about 12 pairs of various sizes etc kids and adults shoes

Cheers!