BFR launches fundraising shoe drive to raise funds, support microenterprise in developing nations and help the environment

BFR Sports & Fitness is introducing a used shoe collection drive Nov. 13 through Dec. 15 to raise operating funds while also benefiting microenterprise ventures in developing nations and keeping old shoes out of local landfills. Individuals can help by dropping off used shoes at BFR, 215 Snider Road.

"Our goal is to collect a total of 7.500 pairs of shoes by Feb. 14, 2014. Our first benchmark is to collect 3,000 pairs by Dec. 15. We invite everyone in the area, to gather unwanted, gently worn shoes and bring them to our facility. The sport teams that participate in our winter basketball and indoor soccer leagues and tournaments will be invited to participate, too," said Carole Enneking, BFR director.

In the U.S. alone, approximately 630 million pairs of shoes are thrown away per year. The materials used to manufacture a pair of shoes are created from chemical compounds, the kind that will create health hazards if left to disintegrate openly or in landfills. By donating gently worn shoes to BFR, what would have gone into landfills will be given a second chance to make a difference. All donated shoes will be redistributed through microenterprise partners and used in developing nations for impoverished people to start, maintain and grow a business to feed, clothe and house their families.

“We are very excited to be the first organization in northwest Ohio to conduct this type of fundraiser," said Enneking. "As a non-profit organization, we are constantly looking for new ways to raise money for our operation. So many of our customers wear out their shoes participating in sport and fitness-related activities, so we felt this was a good tie. The combination of diverting shoes from the waste stream and creating commerce and sustaining peoples’ lives make this a win-win for everyone,” said Enneking.

Any size and type of shoe (athletic, work, dress) in any condition may be donated, as long as there is a matching pair. Shoe donations can be made at the BFR Sports & Fitness. The building is open from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. 

Those donating will be offered as an incentive, a ticket toward a drawing for a $100 gift certificate and $50 gift certificate (good for any BFR program or service); the drawing will be held on Friday, Feb. 14, 2014.

The used shoe drive is a program through Fund2orgs.com. If you would like to participate in the local shoe drive, you may contact BFR by phone at 419-358-4150 or email [email protected].