Stride Rite shared that in 2016 it collected and donated over 150,000 pairs of shoes to non-profit partner Soles4Souls. In addition, the brand is also renewing its commitment to continue the partnership in 2017. Since 2014, Stride Rite has supported Soles4Souls’ mission that everyone around the world deserves a good pair of shoes, collecting and donating a total of 384,920 pairs for distribution globally.
During the back-to-school season, Stride Rite donated nearly 60,000 pairs of shoes to families in need of shoes for their children to attend school. For over two months during the season, the brand donated one percent of net profits on the sale of shoes to Soles4Souls, and customers were encouraged to drop off new or used shoes to the Soles4Souls donation bins located in Stride Rite stores.
“At Stride Rite, we’re parents first, and we embrace the opportunity to partner with Soles4Souls to provide children with the shoes they so desperately need,” said Liz Bunnell, senior director of marketing, Stride Rite. “With the help of our customers, we’ve impacted hundreds of thousands of children and we’re excited to continue our work with Soles4Souls in the year ahead, providing this essential footwear for kids in need around the world.”
Buddy Teaster, Soles4Souls president and chief executive officer, noted, “Lots of companies talk about making a difference but Stride Rite is all about action. Their contributions of shoes and funds have enabled families in dozens of countries to have a better life. Even using conservative estimates, Stride Rite has generated more than $3 million dollars of direct economic impact. There is nothing that makes us happier than to know that Stride Rite and their customers have changed the world for good with their generosity. I’ve said it before but Stride Rite is one of the best partners Soles4Souls has ever had.”
In developed nations such as the United States and Canada, one in five children live below the national poverty line. When Soles4Souls provides a pair of shoes, they are helping bridge the economic gap.
Families can help give back year round by bringing new or used shoes to a Stride Rite store and drop them in the Soles4Souls donation bin. As a thank you, customers will receive 5 percent off a new pair of shoes purchased in the same visit.
