Everyone deserves a good pair of shoes. Every day children are prevented from attending school, adults are unable to work. Walking becomes unbearable. In many developing nations, walking is the primary mode of transportation. Every day millions are exposed to unsanitary conditions that lead to diseases such as hookworm, threadworm, jiggers and podoconiosis which may lead to sickness or even death. A new pair of shoes provides relief in many developing nations around the globe in times of disaster and helps bridge the economic gap in the US and Canada.
Americans throw away more than 70 pounds of textiles per person per year. By supporting Soles4Souls, not only are we keeping shoes out of landfills, we are providing opportunity to thousands of entrepreneurs as well. S4Ss’ micro-enterprise program is designed to create real economic change in developing nations. Gently used shoes and clothing are used as a resource to help entrepreneurs an opportunity to start and sustain a small business of their own and therefore lift themselves and their family out of poverty.
Soles4Souls was founded as a disaster relief organization after philanthropists and shoe executives provided footwear to those most impacted by The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Officially formed as a 501(c)(3) in 2006, Soles4Souls has distributed over 30 million pairs of shoes in 127 countries and in 50 US states.
Mission: Soles4Souls creates sustainable jobs and provides relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world.
Vision: Disrupting the cycle of poverty.
Values: Transparent, entrepreneurial, accountable & meaningful.
Drivers: Serve those in need, create opportunities & protect the environment.
Let us help you clean out your closet – bring in all those shoes you no longer wear or need so we can help those who do need them. And get your friends & family’s shoes too!
Visit Soles4Souls for more information about their work.
