Taoyuan Airport Launches "Used Shoes Save Lives" Drive for West Africa

Taoyuan Airport has launched a "Used Shoes Save Lives" campaign, running until August 6, to collect essential items for residents in West Africa. The event, held daily from 11 AM to 4 PM in the north side of the second terminal's first-floor arrival hall, aims to gather more than 10,000 pieces of used goods.

The initiative, a partnership between TWM Co. and the "Used Shoes Save Lives Association," is collecting shoes, clothing, and bags. These donations will be sent to countries like Togo and Senegal to help improve basic living conditions, hygiene, and education. The campaign also promotes environmental sustainability through the reuse of materials.

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TWM has been cooperating with the Used Shoes Save Lives Association to promote the collection plan since 2016. The event was temporarily suspended during the epidemic and resumed in 2024, expanding the collection of used items such as shoes, clothing, and bags.

According to TWM Chairperson Gu Suqin, the collaboration with the association began in 2016. After a pause during the pandemic, the program resumed in 2024 with expanded collection of items. Last year, the event gathered over 8,000 items. This year, participation has grown to include Taoyuan Airport's second terminal, TWM's Taipei headquarters, Kaohsiung International Airport, and the Matsu Nangan Airport, encouraging broader support from travelers, airport staff, and the public.

Yang Youren, founder of the "Used Shoes Save Lives Association," highlighted that beyond material donations, the association repurposes shipping containers into classrooms, clinics, and community centers. They also invest in projects such as well-drilling and agricultural development to foster self-sufficiency in African communities. The goal is to extend Taiwanese goodwill across borders to assist those in need.

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In addition to collecting materials, the association also converts shipping containers into classrooms, clinics, and community centers, and invests in projects such as well-drilling and agricultural development to help African communities improve their self-reliance.