We want to say a very special thank you <\/em><\/strong>to you for all your support <\/strong>over the 92 years. Assisting you has been our absolute pleasure<\/strong>, and we are grateful for <\/strong>all the friendships <\/strong>we have made along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since announcing our closing back in August, Mum (aka Marion) and I have been overwhelmed with flowers, chocolates, bubbles, cards <\/strong>and well wishes! Your understanding and support <\/strong>have meant the world to us and are a reminder <\/strong>of the beautiful community <\/strong>we have been so fortunate to be part of. We knew our decision would leave a big hole in the footwear industry and the local community, and we are deeply grateful that you support us in putting our family first.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Over the past month, we have stripped our shop bare, but have given away most of our fittings to those in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our iconic Train Engine <\/strong>has found a new home in our home alongside the Fire Engine <\/strong>from our North Rocks store. The lounges and chairs have all been donated to Northmead Creative & Performing Arts High School<\/a>. It\u2019s a gesture we hope will enhance the learning environment for students at this deserving lower socio-economic school that needs upgrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our remaining stock has been donated to the Parish of St Joseph Moorebank<\/a>, where the Somascan Brothers have pledged to assist the orphans overseas where those with little to nothing will benefit.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n WHERE TO SHOP<\/strong> Our journey has been made even more special by the incredible people <\/strong>who have been part of it. Julie, Elise, Danette and Rosey <\/strong>\u2013 our work family \u2013 have stood by us during this closing-down process. Over the years, we\u2019ve become a close-knit work family<\/strong>, and saying goodbye <\/strong>to them has been the most difficult part <\/strong>of this journey. We know we will remain friends with them well after the doors have closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n OUR NEXT CHAPTER<\/strong> As for me, I’m looking forward to spending some time with my family<\/strong>, a luxury we’ve never <\/strong>had before. Misses 14, 12 and 8 are excited to have me around more! I plan on enrolling at TAFE <\/strong>in the new year to become a teacher aide <\/strong>in primary schools, allowing me to be there for my family. Dad and I are active members <\/strong>of Beecroft Rotary<\/a>, so you can always visit me at the Preloved Bookshop<\/a> in Beecroft above Woolworths when I’m rostered on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stage.sparkshoes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/2023-11-02-09.26.32-1024x576.jpg\")
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The carriages, along with the station masters and switch (height chart), have been sent to Beecroft Buddies Long Daycare,<\/a> where they will continue to bring joy to little ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stage.sparkshoes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/2023-10-27-12.42.00-edited-scaled.jpg\")
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For those wondering where to turn to for your footwear needs, we’d like to recommend some independent, family-owned footwear stores that we will<\/em> be supporting<\/strong>:-
KIDS<\/strong>
Forbes Footwear<\/em><\/a> in Hornsby: your go-to for school shoes and toddler’s first shoes.
Ciciban Kids Shoes<\/em><\/a> in Carlton (European quality kids\u2019 supportive footwear, NDIS approved)
Shoe Talk<\/em><\/a> in Camden & Tahmoor
The Shoe Merchant<\/em><\/a> in Moss Vale & Bowral (Plae, Bobux, Salt Water)
Future Steps for Kids<\/em><\/a> in Wollongong (European imports)
Little Big Feet<\/em><\/a> in Corinda QLD
Ollie Ashenden<\/em><\/a> in Adelaide SA
Peter Oram Shoes<\/em><\/a> in Frankston VIC
WOMENS<\/strong>
Forbes Footwear<\/em><\/a> in Hornsby (Orthotics and hard-to-fit feet)
Greens Footwear<\/em><\/a> in Cronulla (Frankie4 and fashion footwear)
Zagarra<\/em><\/a> in Leichhardt, Chatswood, Pitt Street (Rollie, Birkenstock)
Foot of the Mountains<\/em> <\/a>in Glenbrook (Rollie and fashion footwear)
Blackheath Family Shoes<\/em><\/a> in Blackheath (European Imports: Josef Seibel, Rieker, Remonte, Sioux, Ecco)
The Shoe Merchan<\/a>t <\/em>Moss Vale & Bowral (Frankie4, Birkenstock, European Imports)
Bowral Comfort Footwear<\/em><\/a> Bowral (European Imports)
Davies Shoes<\/em><\/a> in Mayfield (European Imports)
Hunter Shoes<\/em><\/a> in Springwood (Taos, Josef Seibel, ESO)
Easy Living Footwear<\/em><\/a> in Bathurst, Tamworth, Newcastle
Evans Shoes<\/em><\/a> in Echuca, Bendigo, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Wagga Wagga, Albury<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mum will finally have the chance to rest and recover <\/strong>after working 7 days a week for most of her adult life. She really deserves this break and intends to spend more time with Dad <\/strong>(aka Russell) and her 3 granddaughters heading out on outback adventures! <\/strong>Mum also plans to complete an ethics course<\/a> and volunteer at our local primary school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n