Each year, millions of pairs of athletic shoes around the world end up in landfills or are disposed of in some other non-environmentally friendly way. What a waste when you think about it, as there are more valuable ways to reuse or recycle those bright threads of your favorite footwear.
No need to fret, there’s still an occasion to turn in those slightly worn-down, worn-out, or completely trashed – athletic shoes — that will make a difference not only for the “soles” of your two feet, but a benefit for the community that will enrich your “soul” as well.
On Thanksgiving Eve, the forces of Frozen Pea Productions, Big Island Honda, and Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) join to host HPA’s “Community Service Day” where more than a hundred pairs of athletic shoes will be bestowed upon families in need, children who dream of participating in sports, and the homeless population.
Steve Furchner, school counselor for HPA’s upper-class grades 9-12, sees the service as a “win-win” opportunity for his students.
“I really enjoy seeing my students be a part of doing something nice for the community,” Furchner said. “It’s also nice to see that these shoes go to someone that will make good use of it.”
Furchner added that he feels guilty taking any of the credit for the yearly success that the shoe giveaway brings. “It is really Peaman’s idea, he is the community hero,” Furchner said.
The selfless idea began five years ago with Peaman, organizer of the free monthly Frozen Pea Production events, who decided to piggyback onto Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program to start a community project of his own.
Essentially, Nike’s program collects un-useable athletic shoes donated from communities and transforms them into new materials used to create athletic sport surfaces such as tracks and playgrounds, or new Nike products. Shoes that are still desirable with little wear are given back to the community.
Thus, Peaman began his shoe drive, but with a twist — he would also recycle old finisher and volunteer shirts as well.
As shoes from all walks of life poured in by the hundreds, Peaman realized it had a hiccup. Nike’s program only receives shoes that are too trashed to wear, and the time and cost to send those to the mainland over the months began to take its toll.
With donated shoes piled high in his storage unit — many of which still in great shape — Peaman decided to partner with additional organizations in the community enabling him to better serve those in need.
After brainstorming his ideas with Furchner, the deal to integrate Peaman’s shoe drive into HPA’s Community Service Day would be sealed through Big Island Honda’s general manager, Marty Barger.
Barger offered the duo a large space fronting the dealership to host the shoe-and-shirt giveaway project, providing the perfect venue for HPA’s upper class to engage in an enriching experience and garner a newfound appreciation for those in need.
“This is a great way to recycle old shoes,” Barger said. “It’s rewarding to see the kids taking on something that will help other people.”
With more than 1,000 pairs of athletic shoes finding new homes over the last five years, one can expect a huge turnout come next Wednesday. Big Island Honda will accept bagged athletic shoes of any brand, old finisher and volunteer T-shirts from now until Wednesday.
HPA’s Community Service Day will take place from 9–11 a.m. at Kona’s Big Island Honda dealership next Wednesday.
Lavaman time
Don’t forget: This afternoon is the Lavaman Sunset 5K run/walk at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Start time is 5 p.m. at the Kaleiopapa Convention Center. For more information and online registration details visit www.runfortheone.org.
The fun continues Saturday as the Keauhou Lavaman Triathlon hosts the LavaKids Keiki Beach Dash and Youth Aquathon. Start time for the Keiki Dash is 9 a.m. for children 6 years and under. The Youth Aquathon will follow at 9:15 for ages 7 – 14 years. Registration begins at 7:30 at Keauhou Bay by the Keauhou Canoe Club. For more information contact Susan Nixon at (808) 936-1083. Race applications can also be found at www.lavamantriathlon.com
The main event follows on Sunday as the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay presents the Keauhou Lavaman Triathlon. The Olympic distance event of 1.5K swim, 40K bike, and 10K run begins with the pro/elite division at 6:55 AM, followed by age group wave starts thereafter. Registration is still open — for details and packet pickup info visit www.lavamantriathlon.com
Run/walk events
On Thanksgiving morning, Big Island Running Company presents the 9th Annual Wobble Gobble Run/Walk. The fun kicks off at 8 a.m. on the Walua Road Jog Path (at Lako Street) for the 6.4-mile, 3.5-mile, and 1-mile races. No registration for this free event; just show up, run and then sign out when finished. A 2-can food donation to the Hawaii Food Bank is appreciated. For more information contact Melissa Braswell at 808-327-9333 or email melissa@bigislandrunning.com.
Also on the same morning, Kiser Motorcycles presents the (Tri)ptophan Turkey Day Triathlon at the Kailua Pier. Start time is 7 a.m. for the 1/3-mile swim, 16-mile bike, and 2-mile run. Registration is closed but a wait list is still available. For more information, contact Kym Kiser at 808-989-2580 or email kymkiser@gmail.com.