KIDS seem to grow out of footwear far too quickly, but instead of throwing them out, the old shoes can be put to good use.

The Airlie Beach Triathlon has teamed with Cruise Whitsundays, JJ Richards, Reef Safari, local schools and athletes to support Vinaka Fiji, a charity established to support underprivileged communities in the Yasawa Islands of Fiji.

Specially marked bins donated by JJ Richards have been placed at schools and the Reef Safari office and will be available on the race weekend for anyone to pass on unwanted sports shoes, clothing and equipment.

"If you have shoes or sporting gear with some life still in them cluttering the cupboard or the front door, kick-start your spring clean and throw them in the collection bins," club president Steve Jackson said.