Lazy Sneakers has reactivated more than 10,000 pairs of sneakers since its inception in 2018
Wellington teenager Maia Mariner was just 12 years old when she developed the idea that went on to become Lazy Sneakers – a project dedicated to collecting and rehoming new and old sneakers to those in need.
The keen student and basketball player is now partnering with PUMA Oceania with a goal of distributing another 10,000 pairs of sneakers by the end of 2023 across both New Zealand and Australia.
The inspirational young founder developed the sneaker bank after noticing many of her peers in school were unable to participate in sports because they couldn’t afford the appropriate footwear.
“Every young person should have decent sneakers to be able to participate in sports with their peers,” says Maia.
Referring to the redundant sneakers most people have lying around, out of use and lacking purpose, Lazy Sneakers’ goal is to stop these sneakers from being “lazy” by reactivating them and giving them a new life.
Since the concept began in 2018, Lazy Sneakers has been able to reactivate more than 10,000 pairs of sneakers, giving them new lives by providing them for children, student-athletes, families, and social services nationwide.
Iconic sporting brand PUMA Oceania has partnered with Lazy Sneakers to help raise awareness for what the movement is trying to achieve. In New Zealand alone, one in nine children suffer material hardship, something PUMA recognises and wishes to help combat.
“We are incredibly excited to be partnering with a female-founded not-for-profit movement to support our local communities in both New Zealand and Australia,” says Pancho Gutstein, General Manager of PUMA Oceania.
“Maia is inspirational, and we are proud to be able to work with her on this important initiative focused on keeping people active and playing sport.”
Since partnering with Lazy Sneakers, PUMA Oceania has been able to donate more than 200 pairs of shoes to the young people of the Geelong community in Victoria, Australia alone. Donate your lazy sneakers to support the movement. Find your local Lazy Sneakers collection site here.
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