Disadvantaged youngsters in Bermuda and the Caribbean will get the gift of free shoes this season thanks to the hard work of an island trio.

Ezekiel Stoneham, Akil Trott and Scott Nearon collected 300 pairs of shoes as part of their 100Kickz campaign. The last of the public events was held on Saturday with more than 100 pairs of shoes collected.

Organisers said there was still time left to donate shoes direct to them.

About 150 pairs of shoes will go to disadvantaged young people in Bermuda.

Donations of shoes will be made to Family Centre and the rest will be shipped to Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands, which suffered severe damage from hurricanes this year.

Mr Stoneham said he was happy with the campaign, now in its second year, and said he planned to continue the event in 2018.

He told The Royal Gazette: “Last year, we sent donations to Haiti and we wanted to do something different because of the hurricanes. I’m feeling pretty good about the event and everything was more organised this year.

“I want to thank everyone who has donated. If you have sneakers you don’t wear, feel free to donate.

“They may be out of style, you may not feel like wearing them anymore, so instead of just letting them gather dust, give them to someone else who can use them.”

Martha Dismont of Family Centre said families “were blown away by the support” after last year’s gift of shoes.

She added: “It is a generous deed, and we are grateful to receive the pairs on behalf of families.

Mr Stoneham said the business world had chipped in to help.

Bermuda shoe store chain WJ Boyle & Son offered to donate new shoes, reinsurance company Validus Re will pay some of the shipping costs and courier firm DHL will also assist.

Mr Stoneham said: “People have been really receptive. They are still reaching out to donate shoes. I am not sending them off until after Christmas so there is still time.”

The campaign said donated shoes should be in good condition.

Anyone who wants to pass on old shoes can message 100Kickz on their Instagram page, e-mail 100kickz@gmail.com or contact Mr Stoneham at 338-1610.