UK athletics and triathlon kit distributors, Neuff and Neuff Red, have launched a UK partnership with Soles4Souls. This sees the collection of… ‘gently worn kit for redistribution to hardworking entrepreneurs to build and sustain their own businesses selling donated shoes & clothing, and enabling them to fight poverty and support their families and communities.’
Since 2006, Soles4Souls has distributed more than 50 million pairs of shoes and pieces of clothing in 129 countries. As a result it has kept more than 23,000 tonnes of textiles from going to landfills and put them to good use.
The efforts of the charity not only support disadvantaged individuals, children and families; it also helps to minimise environmental waste from ‘fast fashion’ and discarded textiles.
Neuff and its pro triathlete ambassador Laura Siddall are working to support the charity by becoming a South West UK Soles4Souls collection centre. This is a not for profit activation, with potential to make positive impact across the UK and the developing world.
Laura Siddall, pro-triathlete and Neuff Red team member, has worked with Soles4Souls for a number of years. She said “Soles4Souls is a great organisation, empowering women entrepreneurs to use these shoes to create jobs and break the cycle of poverty.
“I love knowing that my ex-best kit is now supporting a budding athlete to fulfil their dreams, or just supporting someone to give them a chance and opportunity to live better day to day.
“This partnership between Neuff Red and Soles4Souls in the UK is now opening up the possibility of supporting organisations in the UK, as well as the exciting prospect of helping para athletes with single shoes, creating yet another win-win of keeping single shoes out of landfill whilst benefiting people.”
Neuff Director MaI Cunningham-Neuff said “Neuff was founded to support athletes in their development. We have supported paraathletics for many years and we also try our hardest to have ethical work practices, such as recycled packaging and Living Wages.
“So, when Laura suggested we partner with Soles4Souls, we jumped at the chance. We are proud of this new partnership and looking forward to both receiving donated kit and developing the new distribution networks.”
Athletes can help the environment, support micro-entrepreneurs, enable disadvantaged athletes and decluter their kit drawer, by sending gently used, pre-loved shoes & sports kit to:
Soles4Souls @ Neuff Red
3 Abbots Close
Lee Mill Industrial Estate Ivybridge
Devon PL21 9GA
www.neuff-red.co.uk
www.soles4souls.org
