All you have to do is to take a look at MarathonGuide.com, and you know this is the season for lots of road races and marathons. It’s a great time of year for running because of the weather. But these activities also do wonders if you convert them into a road race fundraiser.
Raising Funds with Sneakers
It’s a long tradition for people run for charity in teams. Moreover, maybe you’ve done it at some point yourself. As you know, it’s a great feeling to know that something you love, like running, could make an impact. In other words, with every step you’re raising money for a good cause.
But, did you know that you could run a race for charity or have your road race participants raise funds—without anyone having to donate money? Many road race clubs, half and full marathon groups partner with sneaker recycling programs to raise money. Essentially, participants give their gently worn, used and new athletic shoes instead of cash. The partner issues the check for the road race fundraiser.
What’s a Road Race Fundraiser?
Most runners are passionate about running, and they go through sneakers quickly. But, footwear could become a financial currency. And that’s why a road race fundraiser is easy. Your group or team decides to partner with a leading athletic drive fundraising company. Then you promote your fundraiser, as you spread the word in your community and to supporters about your road race.
Sneaker recycling program partners work with many groups helping them plan and execute a successful road race fundraiser. During your fundraiser, your champions give you their athletic shoes and sneakers. Further, what you collect gets picked up by your partner. Once finished, and sneaker processing, you get issued a check, or one gets sent on your behalf to your favorite charity. It’s really that simple.
What Happens with the Athletic Shoes?
Did you know that in developing nations sneakers are a mode of transportation? By that, we mean that because of poverty, many people can’t afford to buy cars. So, the way they get to their jobs or school is by using their feet. As a result, they need comfortable sneakers and athletic shoes to get around town.
There’s a massive need for sneakers!
When you do a road race fundraiser, the athletic shoes collected getconsolidated with thousands of others from other races. Once they’re together, all of it gets shipped to developing nations and become inventory for small business owners (micro-entrepreneurs). Ultimately, micro-entrepreneurs sell the athletic shoes in their local markets for profit and commerce.
Demand for Athletic Shoes in Developing Nations
Because of the incredible need for gently worn, used and news athletic shoes, that include trainers, sneakers, and running shoes, sneaker recycling programs seek to partner with road race teams and groups. In effect, the relationship is what we call a win/win/win:
- You want to raise money for your group or favorite cause. Win!
- Micro-entrepreneurs in developing countries need athletic shoes to sell in their communities for a fraction of the retail prices of the sneakers in a country like the United States. Win!
- Footwear customers living in developing nations need to purchase athletic shoes, at a reasonable price, so their children could attend school. For your information, schools do not allow children to participate in classes without shoes. Further, adults need the athletic shoes to get around town and get to work. Athletic shoes are the most comfortable type of shoe people can use if they mostly have to walk from place to place. Win!
Next time you’re thinking about your road race, think about a road race fundraiser with Sneakers4Good. You can also take a look at our sneaker recycling program to learn more, or you can get started today by requesting free information.
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