Soles4Souls & New England Footwear Partner for Haitian Relief Efforts

Soles4Souls (www.giveshoes.org) and New England Footwear, parent company of GoLite Footwear (www.golite-footwear.com) and Z7 Footwear (www.z7footwear.com), have joined forces to bring shoes to victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

New England Footwear will help collect footwear to support Soles4Souls’ commitment to donate more than 1.3 Million pairs of shoes to affected areas, starting with a donation of nearly 700 pairs of discontinued styles and older lines. All donations will directly support relief efforts.

Soles4Souls has partnered with other organizations on the ground in Haiti to transport and distribute the aid. More than 60,000 pairs of shoes, including work boots, rain boots, children’s athletic shoes and clothing items, have already been distributed in Haiti.

“As we struggle to comprehend the magnitude of this disaster, we cannot forget how important basic necessities – such as shoes – will be in the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “We deeply appreciate the support of New England Footwear helping us provide shoes to survivors and volunteers as they work in horrific conditions.”

The death toll from January’s quake continues to rise, and survivors and rescuers are facing dire health conditions including stifling heat, lack of clean water, broken glass and raw sewage.

“Being reminded of how fragile our world is, and seeing the devastation that has affected so many, makes it evident that our partnership with charities like Soles4Souls is more relevant than ever,” said Scott Briggs, President of New England Footwear. “To be able to give these shoes to people who need them is about the best thing you can do,” Briggs continued.

For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.giveshoes.org.

Links: Soles4Souls.org: http://www.soles4souls.org/

GoLite Footwear: http://golite-footwear.com

Z7 Footwear: http://www.z7footwear.com/

About Soles4Souls® Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you. We distribute these shoes, free of charge, to people in need around the world. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 7 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 9 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

About New England Footwear New England Footwear designs and manufactures shoes that deliver disruptive solutions to emerging consumer needs. New England Footwear brands are focused on innovative, non-obvious paths Neaw England Footwear’s brand stable includes GoLite Footwear and their patent-pending “Soft against the Ground” suspension system, and Z7 Footwear, known for creating controlled instability on a fashion shoe, marrying function and form for real results. For more information on New England footwear, please log onto www.golite-footwear.com 

# # #

Soles4Souls Contact: Elizabeth Kirk, Soles4Souls, 615-391-5723, elizabethk@giveshoes.org