“Giving Tuesday,” the Tuesday following Black Friday’s sales, has become synonymous with generosity and compassion. But on December 10, Giving Shoesday takes that generosity and compassion further.
Many of us have an ongoing love affair with shoes. Sweet sneakers, sunny slides, hot heels – what’s not to love? But for millions of people affected by leprosy, their relationship with shoes is… well, it’s complicated.
In fact, for people affected by leprosy, foot care is tricky. Literal walking can involve discomfort at best and amputation at worst. Leprosy attacks the nerves so those affected don’t feel pain or notice an injury or damage.
“Shoes are something most of us take for granted, but for millions of people affected by leprosy, the right footwear can change their lives,” explains Greg Clarke, CEO of The Leprosy Mission Australia.
“Giving Shoesday is a fun yet powerful way to bring attention to their struggles and highlight solutions.”
On December 10, Giving Shoesday invites participants to swap their “fave footwear” with “workmates, besties and fam” and “let themselves feel a bit uncomfortable”.
“We’ll attempt to take a walk – perhaps only managing a crawl, roll or small move with the discomfort. Then, we’ll snap a pic and share it on our socials to raise awareness,” the Giving Shoesday team says.
Because leprosy is still a thing —but it doesn’t have to be!
Leprosy is an ancient disease that still affects millions of people, ruining lives today with adverse health effects and social stigma. Yet, leprosy is curable with Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) – a combination of three. In most cases, patients aren’t even infectious within 24-48 hours of beginning treatment. Even better, the cost of MDT is covered.
The quest to end leprosy for good is achievable, but it will take widespread understanding and commitment.
“Leprosy is ancient, but the cure is modern and effective. Together, we can make this disease a thing of the past. Every step matters—literally,” Greg Clarke says.
How to take part in Giving Shoesday
Here’s how to take part in Giving Shoesday on December 10:
- Trade shoes with a friend, take a walk, snap a pic, post it, and tag us with @TLMAustralia and the hashtag #TakeAWalk.
- Purchase a pair of shoes for a person affected by leprosy at stillathing.org/giving-shoesday.
- Grab a Leprosy Mission Shoe Charm. The armadillo is the mascot and hero of the movement to end leprosy, and it is the perfect conversation starter. These days, all the kids love shoe charms!
