MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

These Boots Were Made for Walking

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Just where do used safety boots go when they fail to pass the “I dropped my tyre iron on my toe cap and it hurt” stage? Goodyear’s factory employees have again donated dozens of used, but still tough, safety shoes to those who may otherwise go barefoot in the Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch areas.

The company’s stringent health and safety policies dictate that employees who are required to wear safety footwear in the plant receive a new pair every year. Many of the used shoes still have a lot of life left in them and are happily received by the less fortunate.

Close to 200 employees kindly donated their old shoes to the Community Chest this year, who distributed the gifts. The organisation strives to alleviate the ravages of poverty and also aims to foster a ‘spirit of philanthropy’ by motivating and creating opportunities for giving. One of its services is to allocate funds and other donated resources for sustainable community development.

“Safety in all its forms is a global priority at Goodyear,” said Lize Hayward, Goodyear Group Public Relations Manager. “This sharing initiative starts with our manufacturing plant’s policy that ‘No one gets hurt’, which is why employees are regularly issued with correct safety equipment.

“We also try to minimise harm to the environment and Goodyear is currently the only manufacturing facility in South Africa that practices true ‘zero waste to landfill’. We certainly don’t want these boots ending up on the dump when they could be used to take better care of people in the community.

“Our philosophy is that we can make our world safer, together. An opportunity like this offers a win for everyone!”

Beulah Lumkwana and Lizl Muller
Beulah Lumkwana, CEO of Community Chest, left, collected piles of worn safety shoes from Lizl Muller, Goodyear Environmental Specialist. The boots have been distributed to other needy feet and will serve them well for some time still.
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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.