A Shoe Pyramid to say NO!

The Shoe Pyramid is a symbol of Handicap International’s fight against anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions. Since 1995, citizens from all over Europe have come together to stand side by side with Handicap International to demand the ban of these barbaric arms and to show support for victims.

Much remains to be done today. It is important to continue our fight to make the Treaty enforceable and enforced (once it goes into effect 6 months after the 30th ratification) to obtain the complete eradication of cluster munitions and to change the situation of the victims.

Shoe Pyramids in Montréal since 2007

Since 2007, an annual Shoe Pyramid is held in Montréal. By joining us, you’re offering essential support to help advance our cause. In addition to its militant, socially-conscious dimension, this day of mobilisation is also a festive and convivial event. Many artists, musicians, slam poets, and actors make appearances throughout the day.

As the public throws more pairs onto the Pyramid, these shoes become a symbol of the devastation, misery, the limb or the life lost by thousands of men, women and children following the explosion of a landmine or ckuster munitions. The immensity of the Pyramid invariably causes one to reflect on the suffering of these victims and their families - and on our responsability to recognize and repair the violence perpetrated against their rights.

Handicap International have forged a partnership with a not-for-profit organization called CERTEX. This organization employs people with disabilities who recycle clothes and shoes and send them to developing countries. Each year, CERTEX delivered us about 1.5 tonnes of shoes to help us build the base of our Pyramid.