Anyone heard of "Shoes for the Cure"?

[Sunny Side Up]

Recently I posted an offer on my local FreeCycle for a box of mismatched boys' shoes. I hoped someone could find a use for them as a craft project, dog chew toys, cushioning material, or something. Another member sent me these links for an organization called Shoes for the Cure. They have a drop-off box in her child's school.

www.shoesforthecure.com
http://www.shoesforthecure.com/brochure/brochureS4C.html

I wonder what you folks think, or if you've ever heard of them, or similar organizations. It seems they are not really a charity, as their name suggests, and the cure is as much for their pockets as for the planet. They claim to donate useable pairs to those in need, which may or may not be true. They do not offer any compensation to the places that host their drop-off boxes other than the possibility of more foot traffic.

Certainly recycling, freecycling, and donating useable goods to charity are all great things to do for society and the environment. I just don't like the tone of this company's advertising, making it sound so charitable and beneficial, using terms like "for the cure", when it's really just a commercial venture. But, I guess that's the reality of business, they wouldn't get as many donations if they called it "Bring us stuff that we can sell for profit".

 

[redhen]

How can they sell mismatched shoes? Is there a market for them or something that i dont know about..

 

[thaiturkey]

It looks like a commercial enterprise to me. I doubt whether they have the margin to pay for old shoes but helping them to make a business is better than adding to the land fill sites.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Redhen, they recycle the materials in the shoes, that's why they don't mind receiving unmatched shoes. They say that they will set aside useable matched pairs to donate to others in need. Thaiturkey, as an avid recycler & FreeCycler I agree, it's certainly better to help some business than to add to the landfills. I just resent deceit & deception, dislike the application of lipstick to pigs.

Certainly they must know that the line "...for the Cure" is used by at least one very well-known charity and they are trying to ride on the popularity of that image. But after looking at their website I don't see where they are trying to benefit any research into the cure for any disease. This makes me skeptical of their other claims, even of their sincerity in wanting to benefit the environment by recycling. Maybe they could really care less, and have just found this niche market & are trying to convince the public to donate the raw materials for free. Perhaps there really isn't much margin for payment, I don't know.

 

[debilorrah]

The "for the cure" thing has me put off for sure. This is not about breast cancer - its about recycling, and the green movement. While it is a good thing for the environment, I personally do not buy into the whole going green thing. Personal opinion.

 

[thaiturkey]

I didn't know about the 'cure' connection. They are, perhaps, trying to fool people.

Back in the UK about 20 years ago there was a guy who advertised asking people to give unwanted furniture for the poor. He called the business something like 'Homes for the Homeless' and advertised on public transport with big banners. In fact, he was a landlord specialising in bed sits. He owned many houses in a cheap areas which he converted to one room accommodation with shared facilities and filled them with very needy people whose rent was paid by the local authority. I don't blame him for making a business from such a need but fooling people into giving away furniture was a bit much.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
I agree..

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
I agree..

Wendy you need to get facebook - we talk about these things alot more freely there.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
I agree..

Wendy you need to get facebook - we talk about these things alot more freely there.

I have it! I just never go on there.. I never know what to say to people..
I'm shy.. lol

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Wendy you need to get facebook - we talk about these things alot more freely there.

I have it! I just never go on there.. I never know what to say to people..
I'm shy.. lol

Ok darlin, friend me - [email protected] I will pull you out!! I post stuff there that seems to cause conversation. And I LOVE it. Anyone else feel free to add me.