MORNINGTON footwear manufacturer Bata is donating shoes to health care workers fighting COVID-19.
The offer is part of the company’s global effort to provide one million pairs of shoes to health care workers, volunteers and their families.
“The generosity of local businesses, such as Bata Shoes, in recognition of the role of health care workers has been tremendous,” Peninsula Health’s chief operating officer Helen Cooper said.
“Our hardworking team spends a lot of time on its feet, so a new pair of work shoes is invaluable.”
Bata managing director Jon Moore said it was important to show appreciation for those on the medical front line. “Our footwear is technically designed for health care workers and we have made available 7000 pairs of shoes for our health care heroes,” he said. “It’s the least we can do.”
Information provided by Belinda Healey, of Blue White Media, said there had been a waiting time of up to 2½ hours for shoes due to the unprecedented demand and the need to maintain social distancing.
The Australian donation is valued at $500,000 for the 75,000 registered nurses in Victoria.
Frontline health care workers wanting to take up the offer can visit Bata’s Mornington outlet at 1158 Nepean Highway, 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday and 9am-2pm Saturday and show their IDs.
First published in the Mornington News – 26 May 2020
