Academy Award nominee Don Cheadle and The Timberland Company announced the creation of a limited edition “Save Darfur” boot, t-shirts, and hangtags to raise awareness of the crisis in the region and to inspire civic and political action to help stop the genocide.
The black leather boot, designed by Cheadle, includes a picture of Africa and the words “Stomp Out Genocide” on the boot's sole. One hundred pairs of the limited edition boots were distributed to humanitarian activists, policy makers, journalists and entertainment professionals, who have raised awareness of and championed change in Darfur. Timberland has also designed “Save Darfur” t-shirts and boot hangtags to inspire consumers and generate funds to help create change in the Sudan.
“We are inspired and led by Don's passion to strengthen our global community and bring hope and humanity to the children and families of Darfur. We are honored to join him to raise our voice to build awareness and encourage peace,” said Jeffrey Swartz, president and CEO of The Timberland Company. “We are not policy makers, politicians or activists – and so we proceed respectfully, sensitively, and humbly – but within our rights and obligation as citizens of this planet.”
One hundred percent of the profits fromt he t-shirts and hangtags will go to AmeriCares. AmeriCares, a longstanding partner of Timberland, is a global leader of humanitarian relief providing life-saving aid in the Sudan. The program also highlights the leadership efforts of the Save Darfur Coalition, an alliance of over 100 organizations united in support of Darfur.
Sudan, suffering what some have called the world's worst humanitarian crisis, remains one of the most troubled places on earth. A symptom of civil war, armed bandits called Janjaweed permeate the region resulting in an atmosphere where rape, violence, and the burning of entire villages are commonplace. Since February 2003, 2.5 million Sudanese have been displaced from their homes and 400,000 people have died. Seeking relief in neighboring camps, the 200,000 refugees in Chad lack adequate food, sanitation, and health care.
Don Cheadle, widely regarded as one of America's finest film actors, took up the cause of Darfur after portraying Paul Rusesabagina, the heroic survivor of a similar genocide, in the acclaimed film “Hotel Rwanda.” Because of his activism, Cheadle was asked by a congressional delegation to accompany their fact-finding mission to Darfur in January 2005. He has dedicated himself to build the peace in Darfur through his active leadership in partnership with the Save Darfur Coalition.
“It's shocking to see the kind of devastation that occurred there and to know it's still going on,” said Cheadle. “I am working with Timberland — a company I respect and whose pursuit of social justice I admire — to inspire others to help bring a halt to these atrocities.”
