More than 35,000 pairs of shoes will be shipped from Nova Scotia to developing countries by the end of August. (CBC)

A Halifax man has collected more than 35,000 pairs of shoes to be donated to developing countries.

Kyle Warkentin started out with the goal of sending 2,000 pairs to a community in Zambia where he spent time last year. He said the idea came to him as he watched young African children run barefoot over streets strewn with garbage.

"I just thought, 'Well, we all have so many shoes in our closet. We have shoes that are thrown out every day."

But Warkentin said he is still in shock over how quickly the project has grown.

"I've been getting calls from California, New York City, Vancouver."

Some shoes for Nova Scotians

Warkentin hopes to ship the shoes, now piled into two storage units in Halifax, by the end of August.

Most will eventually make their way to Zambia, Nigeria and Haiti, but many pairs will also stay right in Nova Scotia, Warkentin said.

"We're sending a bunch of dressier shoes to Dress for Success, some to homeless shelters for people who need them in the winter, for fire victims," he said.

Some of the donated shoes are not appropriate for conditions in Africa or Haiti, Warkentin said.

"You have to logically think where a pair of high heels would be more appropriate. You can't donate those and think that they're going to be able to protect people down in the hot desert parts of Nigeria or Zambia or the water-infested streets of Haiti because it's just not going to work."

Warkentin has teamed up with Olugu Ukpai, a Nigerian living in Halifax who runs a charity in his home country. Ukpai's organization will assist with logistics and distribution once the shoes arrive in Africa.

Ukpai said that when he met Warkentin, he immediately knew there would be a way for them to work together.

"He told me of his experience in Zambia," Ukpai said. "He saw people and children walking barefoot. As a result they are exposed to all sort of danger. I said, 'Boy oh boy, we can work together because we both have the same vision.'"

Ukpai said the donation will have a big impact.

"Some of these shoes are going to be very, very helpful for the people, I promise you. Things are really tough down there."