Over 500 Pairs of Shoes Donated to Support Families
Having the right uniform, including comfortable shoes, helps children feel ready for the school day. But we know that with the rising cost of living, replacing school shoes isn’t always easy for families.
That’s why we’re really grateful to two brilliant charities, Sal’s Shoes and ShoeAid, who have donated over 500 pairs of brand new shoes for children across Co-op Academies Trust.
Sal’s Shoes have provided more than 400 pairs, which are being shared across our academies so they reach the children who need them most. ShoeAid have also donated 118 pairs to support our academies in Merseyside.
This started with a simple conversation. Our Regional Community Development Manager, Deborah Zaher, reached out to see if there was any support available for families in our Merseyside academies.
From there, things quickly grew.
Thanks to that initial connection, children across our Trust - from Greater Manchester to Staffordshire, Leeds to Bradford - are now benefiting from this support.
Deborah said:
"When I initially reached out to Sal's Shoes and ShoeAid, we were simply looking for practical ways to support families in our Merseyside communities. To see this grow into a Trust-wide initiative that is now benefiting students from Staffordshire right through to Bradford is incredible. It is a perfect example of what can happen when we work with partners who genuinely want to help us do what matters most."
A new pair of shoes might seem small, but it can make a big difference.
It means children can come to school feeling comfortable and confident. It takes pressure off families. And it helps make sure every child can take part fully in their day, from lessons to playtime!
Michelle Stacey, Designated Safeguarding Lead at Co-op Academy Broadhurst, said:
"Proper footwear is something many of us take for granted, but for some of our families, the cost of replacing outgrown school shoes is a genuine and constant worry. When a child comes to school in comfortable, well-fitting shoes, it instantly impacts their confidence. These donations have taken a huge weight off our parents' shoulders and are making a massive, practical difference to our students' daily lives."
We want to say a big thank you to everyone at Sal’s Shoes and ShoeAid. By working together, we are ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of our students' education, proving once again what it means to show you care.