Whether it’s high heels, cowboy boots, strappy sandals or clogs or wellingtons, shoes are an essential part or all our wardrobes. But how many of us consider recycling pairs we’ll never wear again – because of totally impractical skyscraper heels– or because we just HAD to have them, although they weren’t in our size!
Merched y Wawr, the National Eisteddfod and Save the Children are asking a hundred and fifty leading Welsh women to donate a pair of shoes to an excellent cause. Launched this week, Stories from the Sole, will reach its highlight at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham this year, with a star studded shoe auction.
Tegwen Morris, Director at Merched y Wawr, explains the campaign:
“Save the Children is one of Merched y Wawr’s charities this year, and we’re looking for new and exciting ways to raise awareness and much needed funds as part of our annual charity campaign. Stories from the Sole is a chance to encourage famous women from Wales – or those with Welsh links – to donate a pair of shoes to the fundraising campaign.
“A number of Welsh women including Angharad Mair, Heledd Cynwal, Beti George and Nia Roberts, have already promised us a pair of shoes for the auction, and we hope that many more will follow in their footsteps over the next few weeks.”
National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Elfed Roberts, said:
“The Eisteddfod is delighted to be working with Merched y Wawr and Save the Children on this campaign. It’s also an opportunity for us to raise awareness about our Celebrate 150 campaign, as we’re asking all these women to include their personal memories about the National Eisteddfod over the year, helping us to further develop our archive.
“The shoes will be exhibited on the Maes this year and we’ll also publish photos and information about the shoes on our websites before the auction. If shoes are your thing, this is your chance to grab a really special pair – a bit of fun whilst fundraising for a worthwhile cause.”
Jessica Evans, Save the Children’s Community Fundraiser in Wales added:
“Over 8 million children under five die needlessly every year from easily preventable causes such as pneumonia, malaria and diarrhoea . Five pounds could vaccinate three children against these killer diseases whilst a pair of shoes selling for £50 we will be able to save ten lives.
“Join us in stamping out these diseases by donating and buying shoes as part of our campaign.”
Details of the Stories from the Sole auction will appear on the campaign facebook page – www.facebook.com/sodlaun.siarad. Details will also be published on the Merched y Wawr website – www.merchedywawr.com – and the National Eisteddfod– www.eisteddfod.org.uk. You can also follow the latest news by going to www.twitter.com/sodlaunsiarad.
Merched y Wawr and Save the Children are also encouraging members of Merched y Wawr and the Clybiau Gwawr to collect shoes and heels to sell in a special shoe shop on the Eisteddfod Maes this year. For more information contact Canolfan Merched y Wawr on 01970 611 661.
The Wrexham and District National Eisteddfod is held on land at Lower Berse Farn, off Ruthin Road, Wrexham from 30 July – 6 August this year. For more information go to www.eisteddfod.org.uk.
