Bare feet 'freezing', but the cause is good

STACY SQUIRES/The Press

BARING THEIR SOLES: Taylor Shaw Barristers & Solicitors staff Kathryn Dalziel, left, Ingrid Taylor and Nicola Fraser in fundraising mode.

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Some hardy Christchurch office workers have spent a day baring their soles for a good cause.

Nine staff at Taylor Shaw Barristers & Solicitors yesterday joined thousands of office workers around the country in ditching their shoes for Barefoot Business Day, a fundraiser for poor children.

Taylor Shaw principal Ingrid Taylor said the cause attracted staff. "We all have kids of our own and understand how expensive their shoes can be," she said.

Associate Kathryn Dalziel said: "And this day is why we know how important this cause is as our feet are freezing."

Money raised from the KidsCan StandTall Charitable Trust's day will go towards buying shoes and socks for 5000 Kiwi children who are barefoot at school this winter.

Pupils at 19 Christchurch primary schools will benefit.

Last year, 621 pairs of shoes were donated to Christchurch children.

Trust chief executive Julie Helson said hundreds of children were admitted to hospital with severe foot cuts or puncture wounds because they did not have footwear.

"Going without shoes in winter has an impact on children's health and their ability to participate in classroom activities as footwear is fundamental to preventing illness and ensuring participation across the curriculum."

She said that every $20 raised on the day bought a pair of shoes and two pairs of socks for a child.

- © Fairfax NZ News