WHILE boots are generally made for walking, a collection of sturdy footwear once worn by local police officers is also made for helping those less fortunate.
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It is a move that is an important, yet often overlooked step, in reaching out to homeless people.
Fundraising and awareness campaigns for the homeless often focus on the need for food, shelter and warm clothes, but rarely is the value of good footwear brought to the fore.
Wearing the right shoe can make a huge difference in how we get through each day.
Most people would relate to times when they felt leg ache from standing too long with unsupportive shoes or the blisters they suffered from wearing uncomfortable, poorly fitted shoes.
Whether you are playing sport, working on a building site or striding out on the beat to serve and protect the community, there is little doubt that the right footwear is essential.
Furthermore most people would appreciate that good footwear - especially during the Highlands cold, winter months – has the ability to make a person feel better.
When your feet are cold you can feel cold all over. Suitable footwear can make a huge difference to that comfort and warmth.
Unfortunately for some people such creature comforts are a luxury often beyond affordable reach.
Too often homeless people are seen without shoes or at the very most they wear a pair of thongs.
It is a sad reality that has not been lost on police in the Hume Local Area Command.
That is why they have taken the generous step to donate their ‘old’ work boots to Mission Australia to be distributed to homeless people in the community.
However, the reference to ‘old’ work boots is a term used loosely.
The boots they donate to charity are still in excellent condition. They are simply no longer suitable because of the uniform expectations they are required to meet in the police force.
As such the boys and girls in blue have come up with a generous and practical solution to ensure that their hardy footwear continues to be useful to others.
It is an inspired and innovative step taken by local police. It ensures that while they strive to serve and protect the community their ‘old’ work boots are doing the same for homeless people within the community.
