Soles4Souls Inc. is committing 100,000 pairs of new shoes to the victims of the earthquake that rocked Haiti on Tuesday, Jan. 12. 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.
“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,” he said.
The Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, and many surrounding villages were devastated by the largest earthquake to strike in over 200 years. News reports are slow to emerge but already paint a terrifying picture of death and disorder among a people already devastated by poverty and natural disaster.
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,” he said.
