Novel idea takes off

Wellington man has put more than hands and feet to his faith. Simon Legg has put shoes on the feet of 130 local children. Mr Legg learned of the condition of some of the Russell School children’s clothing and footwear during a discussion at his home group, and felt he had to do something.

“I thought if they got the shoes on their feet, winter would be a much more pleasant experience for them, that they wouldn’t end up getting sick,” he explained.

Mr Legg, a keen runner, contacted shoe company New Balance, who offered to sell him 160 pairs of running shoes at $25 a pair.

He fundraised at his work (BNZ) and at the North Porirua Baptist Church where he is a member.

“We looked at a way of sponsoring a child and the money has been flowing into the account ever since.”

The gift has come at just the right time, with the school heading off on a camp recently and winter sports nearing.

Mr Legg has only been a Christian for one year, but felt God cared about the children, and wanted him to respond.

“I’ve talked to God a lot. It’s one of things when I think about it, it just overcomes me, and I start weeping — it’s very close to my heart,” he said. “I just look at it as looking after people that are less fortunate than myself.”

Mr Legg has plans to do the same for kids at Natone Park and another local school.

“You can’t beat seeing the smiles on their faces as they open those boxes.”

By Aaron Ironside