• Jetstar’s Flying Start program awards $30,000 to Shoes for Planet Earth
• Grant will provide more shoes to those in need Australia-wide
• Travel awarded to Shoes for Planet Earth will be used to fly more shoes to more communities

Jetstar today announced Sydney based charity, Shoes for Planet Earth, is the second recipient of a $30,000 grant through the airline’s Flying Start Program. (Photos of the winners available here.)

Shoes for Planet Earth is a grass roots charity that sources, cleans and delivers second-hand pairs of running shoes to homeless shelters, disaster victims, sports groups and anyone in need.

Viv Kartsounis and Nick Drayton, founders of Shoes for Planet Earth, said the grant - comprising $15,000 in Jetstar flights and $15,000 in cash - would enable them to step up the charity operation and spread its reach.

“We can’t thank Jetstar enough for their support,” Ms Kartsounis said.

“This financial boost will allow us to purchase an industrial washing machine and transport thousands of pairs of donated shoes to people who simply want to put one foot in front of the other and move forward in their lives.

“I would encourage anyone with running shoes that are still in good condition to donate their shoes so that those less fortunate can benefit from supportive souls.”

Currently, donated running shoes are washed in a cement mixer called “Mona”, named after marathon runner Steve Moneghetti. The industrial washing machine Shoes for Planet Earth is purchasing with the aid of the Flying Start funding will cut down the time and physical effort required to clean shoes.

The cost of delivering second hand shoes around the world is significant and Ms Kartsounis and Mr Drayton will put the flights towards delivering shoes to various Jetstar ports.

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive Officer David Hall and the Flying Start judging panel were inspired by the work of Shoes for Planet Earth.

“This charity goes to the heart of our Flying Start program – enabling small grassroots charities and organisations to spread their influence and help more everyday Australians,” Mr Hall said.

“I am sure our more than 3000 Jetstar team members across Australia will also put their best foot forward to support such a worthy cause.

“All people should have access to the basic things required to get where they need to go. By simply providing adequate footwear, Shoes for Planet Earth allows people to journey further than they might otherwise.”

Applications for the next Flying Start grant are now open to not-for-profit community groups in Victoria and Tasmania of any size. Applicants for the next grant close on September 30 2013. Full application details are available at jetstar.com.