Advance Performance, which has two specialist running outlets in Peterborough and Cambridge, has demonstrated its green credentials by teaming up with a recycling collection company in order to offer customers an in-store shoe recycling service.
For every ton of shoes collected the European Recycling Company, which is the largest specialist shoe recycler in the UK, will donate money to charity, including the Variety Club Children’s Charity and Schools-for-Girls-in-Afghanistan.
Says Samantha Hale, managing director of Advance Performance (pictured): “Whilst your shoes may have come to the end of their lives as your favourite running shoes, they may still be able to be re-conditioned and re-used in third world countries and in Eastern Europe. Before teaming up with the recycling company, we transported our old running shoes to recycling centres. Now we are encouraging customers to bring in all their old shoes, both running and everyday shoes, which are then collected, sorted and distributed to developing countries. There the shoes are sold at affordable prices to local traders and craftsmen. All refurbishment work is done by local people, so creates much-needed employment as well as providing shoes for people’s feet. This also prevents shoes from ending up on rubbish dumps when they can still benefit others. So please bring in your old shoes and help make a difference!”
