I came on board to support Shoe Boxx Charity as I felt that it was something that personified my childhood. Seeing kids with no shoes reminded me of my upbringing and how much I dislike the thought of young children going through the same thing. Some kids choose to wear no footwear but some have no choice; I fell into that category when I was a kid growing up in Auckland. Kids are born to be active every day and need shoes to play and exercise. Sports shoes were essential in helping me succeed in my sports career. As the ambassador I encourage you to join me and my team to make a difference and support our future sports stars.

Maria is a member of the New Zealand Silver Ferns for over 10 years. She is a gifted shooter and is regarded an icon in New Zealand netball.

Maria is of Samoan heritage born and raised in New Zealand. She stands at a height of 6’ 2’ with beautiful classic Polynesian features.

We are very privileged to have her as our Ambassador for ShoeBOXX.

I was motivated to start a charitable Trust primarily through my coaching work at Schools in Auckland. I found that many students did not have the correct footwear for sports and for some this kept them away from their favourite sport. It is essential to have the correct footwear not only to have adequate protection for your feet but also to be competitive. Many students were not able to get correct footwear for their particular sport due to cost, in rugby, netball etc. As a coach I felt for these young people and it was then I had the idea of collecting used sports shoes (still in fairly good condition) from wherever I could access them.  I was able to obtain donated used shoes from friends, family and other students which I then distributed to the students who need them. The recipients of these shoes were very grateful and I have never had any one of them turn down the offer of a pair of used sports shoes.  The enthusiasm and spirit with which these students compete and enjoy their sport was so rewarding that this has been the key motivation for me to set up our Shoe Boxx Charity to address this need in our community.

My background in netball, being an ex-silver fern player has inspired me to give back to the community in which I received support from when going through my sporting career and what better way than providing support to children who due to cost cannot get a pair of sports shoes. Another significant factor for me is motivating young people to play sport or exercise will help them form good habits that they can carry into adulthood and curb health problems. Our Charity is for all children who due to cost are unable to obtain a pair of sports shoes.

I am excited and privileged to be part of Shoe Boxx Charity for youth and grateful that the group of people who have given their time to help us are committed and are in the field of sports/or are currently working with young people.

LEONIE LEAVER
ShoeBOXX Founder