Soles4Souls® Inc. is Committing 100,000 Pairs of New Shoes to Pakistan Flood Victims
Shoe Charity responding to cry for footwear in traumatized Middle Eastern country
Nashville, TN -- Soles4Souls Inc., the international shoe charity is committing 100,000 pairs of shoes to the victims of the floods and monsoon rains that are devastating the country of Pakistan. In conjunction with its partners in the footwear industry and trusted distribution agencies, Soles4Souls is responding to the overwhelming need for appropriate footwear in the midst of rising waters and crushing mudslides.
“We have been moved to action by our international partners who are watching the devastation in Pakistan unfold firsthand and have reached out for assistance,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “With more than 100,000 people and children being exposed to diseases from the flood waters and debris, we are sending shoes for their security and protection,” he said.
The northwest province of Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa near Peshawar and many surrounding villages are being swept away by rushing waters in the worst flooding in Pakistan in 80 years. News reports are initially reporting more than 1,500 people dead and more than 3 million affected by the flooding, with Monsoon conditions expected to continue through the week.
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.
“Through our relief efforts in Haiti, we know that a quick and structured response to devastation of this magnitude can save lives,” Elsey said. “This is why we’re committing 100,000 pairs so that the survivors and volunteers will have our resources throughout the recovery,” he said.
For more information on how to donate to the victims in Pakistan, visit www.giveshoes.org.
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Contact:
Elizabeth Kirk, Soles4Souls
615-391-5723, elizabethk@giveshoes.org
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 10 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.
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