US based charity Soles4Souls is committing 100,000 pairs of new shoes to the victims of the earthquake that devastated Haiti on Tuesday 12 January. In conjunction with its partners in the footwear industry and trusted distribution agencies, Soles4Souls is sending a complete relief package that includes food, medical supplies, water, blankets and baby products.
Soles4Souls partnered with USA Triathlon (USAT) in 2009, in a promotion to obtain donations of unwanted run shoes during the week of the USAT Age Group Nationals.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragedy unfolding in Haiti," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "This is going to require a sustained humanitarian effort from everyone able to give, and we’ll be here to do our part with the gift of shoes to aid in the rescue and rebuilding process."
According to Elsey, a pair of decent shoes is absolutely necessary in order to participate effectively in rescue and rebuilding efforts among broken glass, twisted metal and raw sewage.
"We are responding to a disaster, but we know this will be a long and difficult process," Elsey said. "This is why we’re committing 100,000 pairs so that the survivors and volunteers will have our resources throughout the rebuilding efforts."
For more information on Soles4Souls, or to contribute to their Haiti relief effort, please visit soles4souls.org.
