Who would have thought a single pair of shoes could save peoples lives? Ordinarily, a pair of shoes is worth nothing more than the cost of materials, manufacturing, marketing, and shipping, plus a 40%+ markup from your favorite retailer.  But, take the same pair of shoes out of a celebrities closet, auction them off on eBay, and now we are saving lives.

That’s just what the MAG (Minds Advisory Group) did, with the help of Heather Mills McCartney, back in early December. The MAG is an organization dedicated to clearing dangerous remnants of war from civilian grounds in impoverished nations. In addition, the MAG educates, trains, and employs local people and helps provide solutions for those trapped by poverty and economic devastation.

Last month the MAG organized an eBay auction consisting of footwear donated by more than 20 different celebrities. Here’s a taste of what you missed out on, though the average piece of celebrity shoe memorabilia went for barely under $1,000.