In what Cardinal John Dew called “an act of mercy” dozens of new pairs of shoes, vouchers and socks were piled on Wellington’s Sacred Heart Cathedral steps on Sunday.
“We have asked people to ‘be an act of mercy’ and they have responded with great generosity for those who can’t afford to put shoes and socks onto children’s feet.
“My sincere thanks goes to all those who have donated them,” Dew said.
The shoes and socks will be taken to schools throughout the archdiocese area, which runs from the Wairarapa to Levin and as far south as Kaikoura and the West Coast.
The footwear will not only go to Catholic schools, but to all low decile schools.
Paul Alsford, from the Wellington archdiocesan Year of Mercy committee said the shoes and socks are an example of “practical mercy” and are a “wonderful response to an awareness of people in need, especially children.”
Although the Pope has designated 2016 to be a “Year of Mercy” Alsford would like the footwear initiative to be ongoing.
“It’s a corporal work of mercy [to ensure people have suitable clothing] and it’s wonderful to see how much people want to help others. We’re very aware that while bellies that need to be filled, warm, dry feet are are also essential.”
Mike Driscoll, from the St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies) Hutt Valley Area Council, says shoes will be delivered to schools by Vinnies conferences throughout the archdiocese.
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