W.L. Gore & Associates announced its partnership with Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity dedicated to providing shoes to people in need, to launch the GORE-TEX brand How Far Can One Pair Go? national shoe drive and footwear promotion.  The campaign encourages consumers to donate shoes or funds to the charity from September 1, 2009 until December 31, 2009 at select retail partners or online at www.howfarcanonepairgo.com. 

Additionally, Gore will donate $5 to Soles4Souls for each pair of the new casual shoes with GORE-TEX® brand technology purchased through the website during the campaign (up to a maximum total donation of $10,000).

“The How Far Can One Pair Go? campaign will encourage people to donate and see how far one pair of shoes can go to help a person in need.  The question, How Far Can One Pair Go? also underscores the versatility and comfort of casual shoes with GORE-TEX® lining and encourages consumers to see how far they can go in these shoes,” commented Brian Gallagher marketing footwear strategist for Gore. “It was a natural fit to partner with Soles4Souls for this initiative and we are thrilled to be involved with such a noteworthy cause.”

Coinciding with the launch of the How Far Can One Pair Go? shoe drive, footwear manufacturers – Ara, Clarks, Ecco, MBT, Mephisto, Merrell, New Balance, Stuart Weitzman and Timberland – are introducing new casual shoe styles that feature waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® fabric technology.  The technology built into every pair of shoes with GORE-TEX® lining keeps feet comfortably protected from the elements – warm or cold, wet or dry, winter or summer.  Each footwear style with the GORE-TEX® brand provides versatility for everyday needs, whether it's the commute to work, a day at the office, a night on the town, or just exploring the urban landscape.

The How Far Can One Pair Go? campaign provides consumers with multiple opportunities to see how far their donation to Soles4Souls can go.  Gore has created a website, www.howfarcanonepairgo.com, where visitors can donate money to Soles4Souls and enter to win a Soles4Souls distribution trip to hand out shoes to people in need and see, first-hand, how far one pair of shoes can go.  In addition to online participation, customers can visit participating retail locations from December 5 – 13, 2009 to donate a pair of “gently worn” shoes to Soles4Souls.

“We are thrilled that Gore has created this program to help Soles4Souls continue its mission to enhance the lives of children and families worldwide through cooperative efforts of distributing critically needed footwear,” commented Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO, Soles4Souls, Inc.  “The winners of this promotion will have a unique opportunity to join Soles4Souls on a distribution trip to see how far donations go in improving the lives of people in need.”