Lend a Hand
Lend a Hand: Step Forward, Make a Difference
The Elegant Solution for Your Pre-loved Shoes
What do you do with luxury shoes you no longer wear? At The Hand, we’ve heard this question countless times from our discerning clients. And now, we’re proud to introduce Lend a Hand—our refined initiative to ensure your pre-loved footwear finds a new purpose while making a meaningful impact.
Read on to discover an elegant and impactful new way to give your shoes a second life.
The Dilemma Faced by Shoe Enthusiasts
Meet Adrian, a long-time client and avid collector of fine footwear. His closet housed more than 30 pairs of impeccable shoes, from Edward Green oxfords to Stefano Bemer loafers. But, like many of our clients, Adrian felt his collection no longer entirely reflected his evolving style.
The shoes were too exquisite to discard and selling them online was time-intensive, often offering little in return. He wanted a solution that wasn’t simply practical but also meaningful.
This is where Lend a Hand steps in.

What is Lend a Hand?
Lend a Hand is an initiative where our clients can donate their gently used shoes to ensure they are cherished and repurposed, rather than left idle. By partnering with leading organizations, we’ve created a solution poised to make an impact, not only for your wardrobe but for the lives of others.
Here's how it works:
- Drop-Off or Ship: Bring your shoes to our boutique in Amsterdam or ship them directly to The Hand.
- Second Life: We evaluate the quality of each pair, give them a thorough clean and polish, and repurpose them in one of two ways:
-
- Donate to organizations like Dress for Success, helping individuals re-enter the job market with confidence.
- Sell through a premium second-hand platform, with proceeds going to the World Food Programme (WFP) to combat hunger globally.
- A Token of Our Gratitude: For your generosity, receive complimentary shoe trees (or an alternative shoe-care accessory of your choice) with your next shoe purchase, ensuring the longevity of your remaining pairs.
This seamless process aligns with the refined experience you’ve come to expect from The Hand.
Your Shoes, Their Journey
The shoes you donate deserve more than just a shelf to collect dust—they deserve a purposeful next chapter.
- Support Confidence through Dress for Success
Imagine your elegant Gaziano & Girling pair helping a gentleman secure a career opportunity. By collaborating with Dress for Success, we provide these exquisite shoes to men striving to land their dream roles. Their first impression, enhanced by your pre-loved footwear, could change their lives.
- Making an Impact with the World Food Programme
For shoes sold via second-hand platforms, all earnings are transferred to the World Food Programme (WFP). WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to combatting hunger and fostering resilience. The Hand's co-founder, Eveline van de Water-Roks, previously worked with the World Food Programme (WFP) and deeply appreciates its remarkable impact on improving lives globally. Through The Hand, she blends her passion for innovation and sustainability, demonstrating that even something as simple as shoes can make a global impact by helping to nourish lives.

Why It Matters to The Hand
Giving back isn’t just an added touch of elegance—it’s part of the philosophy behind The Hand. Our commitment to sustainability honors the craftsmanship poured into every pair we curate. We’ve long championed shoemakers dedicated to timeless quality, and now, we’re extending that legacy through responsible practices.
Indeed, luxury is not about excess but intention. Lend a Hand marries refinement with responsibility, offering our clients an exclusive opportunity to participate in something far greater than themselves.
Why Should You Participate?
When you join Lend a Hand, you’re not just parting with a pair of shoes; you’re giving them a second life imbued with purpose.
- Elegant Renewal: Free your collection of pieces that no longer reflect your style while ensuring they continue to be cherished and valued by others. Every pair deserves more than to linger untouched; they deserve a future.
- Meaningful Impact: Whether offering dignity and confidence through donation or supporting global causes like combating hunger, your unused shoes become a stepping stone toward positive change. Together, we create ripples of opportunity and hope.
- Exclusive Recognition: As an expression of our gratitude, we offer you an artisanal shoe-care accessory with your next purchase. It’s an exquisite way to honor your continued commitment to quality and care.
Lend a Hand is more than an initiative; it’s a movement toward responsible elegance. Together, we can walk toward a better future, one step at a time.
Get Started with Lend a Hand
It’s simple to participate in Lend a Hand. Whether it’s clearing space in your closet or supporting others, this initiative allows you to bring elegance full circle.
Visit us at The Hand Boutique in Amsterdam’s Van Baerle Shopping Gallery or ship your items directly to us. Our team is ready to assist you with any questions.
Experience the truly refined way to give back. After all, every fine pair of shoes deserves an extraordinary future.