A few weeks after its launch, the Stories from the Sole campaign is already making an impact, with a number of famous Welsh women getting in touch to donate a pair of shoes for the grand auction held on the Eisteddfod Maes at Wrexham later this year.
The aim of the campaign, organised jointly by Merched y Wawr, the National Eisteddfod and Save the Children, is to collect shoes from some of Wales’ leading ladies, which will then be exhibited and sold to raise money for the charity.
Among those already pledging a pair are Margaret Williams, Jenny Ogwen, Caryl Parry Jones, Angharad Mair, Siân Lloyd, Donna Edwards and Mererid Hopwood, and organisers hope to have shoes of all shapes, heels and sizes on show in the Welcome Pavilion at the Eisteddfod.
Save the Children are also running a special shoe shop on the Maes during the week, and the charity, together with Merched y Wawr, are busily collecting – and appealing for – shoes from women across the whole of Wales.
Tegwen Morris, Merched y Wawr Director, said:
“The response to the campaign has been unbelievable, and we’ve already received all kinds of shoes. Once again this year, the support of our members has been great, and I’m sure there’ll be a fantastic range of shoes in the shop on the Eisteddfod Maes, for visitors of all ages – and shoe size! Save the Children is a great charity and I hope that women from all over Wales – whether they’re Merched y Wawr members or not – will be rooting through their wardrobes for shoes over the next few days.”
Shoes can be taken to the Merched y Wawr office in Aberystwyth, the National Eisteddfod offices in Mold or Cardiff or the Save the Children office, also in Cardiff. For full details, contact Merched y Wawr on 01970 661 611.
The campaign is also part of the National Eisteddfod’s 150th celebrations, and we’re encouraging everyone to send their memories of the Eisteddfod with their shoes. For more details about the 150 campaign, go to www.eisteddfod.org.uk. The Wrexham and District National Eisteddfod is held on land at Lower Berse Farm, off Ruthin Road, Wrexham from 30 July – 6 August.
