OVER a ton of old shoes were collected on the first ‘Re-UseYa Shoes!’ day for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance on Thursday, 12 September.

Forty-two schools across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight threw themselves behind the campaign to encourage children to donate their old shoes, football boots, trainers and wellies and raise those vital funds needed to keep the air ambulance flying and saving lives.

Participating schools were asked to see how many bags they could fill and if they could build the highest tower of shoes, with prizes available for the school with the most shoes collected.

Shoes of every shape, size, condition and colour were collected, from the boot without a sole to the down at heel stiletto.

Much like the ‘Bag A Bra’ campaign, the shoes will now be sold on through reputable traders in other countries. If they are in really bad condition they will be used for parts to repair other footwear, so nothing is wasted.

John Perry, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance’s chief executive, said: “Our very first ‘Re-Use-Ya Shoes!’ day has been more successful than we could have imagined.

“Not only has the campaign raised money for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, but it has taught children about the importance of recycling and helped people in countries worldwide.

“We could not have hoped for a more enthusiastic response from participating schools.”