Recently, our Corporate Partnerships Manager, Matt Lovelock, visited Bihar, India, to witness firsthand the incredible difference these shoes are making.
“On a hot October day, I arrived at the Ramnager leprosy settlement, where I was greeted by smiling faces. Our mobile shoe van was parked nearby, with a footwear technician carefully measuring the foot of Malti, a 60-year-old widow who has lived here for nearly 40 years. Malti has severe disabilities, caused by a late diagnosis of leprosy. Without protective shoes, walking is painful and dangerous. But now, thanks to Lepra’s custom-made shoes, she can walk comfortably, perform daily tasks, and even venture to the market without fear of injury or judgment. Seeing the joy on her face as she tried on her new closed-toe shoes is something I’ll never forget.”
The introduction of closed-toe shoes is a breakthrough for individuals like Malti, helping to reduce the stigma associated with leprosy. These shoes not only protect her feet but also allow her to move through public spaces with confidence. Thanks to the support of Charles Bland, Pavers, and Colin Temple, Lepra recently opened a new shoe-making unit in Kaimur, Bihar, allowing us to produce more shoes and offer a wider variety of styles. This gives people like Malti more choice in what they wear, ensuring that their shoes meet both their physical and emotional needs.
Each mobile footwear van plays a crucial role in delivering life-changing support to communities like Ramnager. With a capital cost of £40,000, purchasing and equipping a van ensures it can travel across states, reaching people affected by leprosy in remote and underserved areas. The van enables the distribution of custom-made, supportive footwear, which is essential for preventing injuries, improving mobility, and enhancing quality of life.
For just £50, you can fund the operation of a mobile shoe van for an entire day, helping deliver footwear to 20-30 individuals in hard-to-reach regions of India. This ensures that those in isolated communities receive the critical support they need, significantly improving their comfort and quality of life.
By supporting our footwear projects, you can help people affected by leprosy and LF to maintain their independence, protect their feet from further damage, and regain their confidence to live their lives without fear or judgment. Every contribution makes a meaningful impact.
For more information on corporate partnership opportunities, see here.
