News
MSA/SOMSR adopts Footwear Friends as its nominated charity
Established in 1836, we are the only charity dedicated solely to the support of those who have served the footwear industry, whether in design, manufacture, distribution, retail or repair. Repair is an important part of our activities and we are able to help a number of people in this sector every year
We are funded mainly by donations, as well as by special fundraising events run on behalf of Footwear Friends. We also have some sponsors within the trade. Please see our website for details http://www.footwearfriends.org.uk
Since it was founded, Footwear Friends has adapted its role to meet the changing needs of people from the shoe industry. At the outset it sought to deal with widespread poverty and deprivation with very limited resources. Now, with the huge rise in living standards and development of state provisions, it is more concerned with a limited number of individuals for whom state provision has for one reason or another clearly been inadequate. It has also extended its remit from the manufacturing sector alone to all parts of the shoe trade.
The Society is governed by an Executive Committee and consists of 14 members from across the trade, who are responsible for ensuring the Society fulfils its constitutional and legal duties. Members of the Executive Committee voluntarily give of their time in ensuring that no case of need is turned away. The every day running of the Societys office is handled by the Secretary Gabi OSullivan and her assistant Mandie Brown.
Last year, we distributed over £100,000 to over 250 people and grants took many forms from providing mobility equipment to helping with house repairs, new furniture and other forms of desperately needed help.
In essence, though, Footwear Friends has remained a charity run by and supported by the shoe industry people to help their former colleagues and their families.
