Soles4Souls and KIWI Shoe Care Partner for Haitian Relief Efforts

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Jan 14, 2010, 03:32 ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. and EXTON, Pa., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Soles4Souls (www.soles4souls.org) and KIWI Shoe Care have partnered to provide shoes and other relief supplies to victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

KIWI's contributions will support Soles4Souls' donation of 100,000 pairs of shoes to survivors and relief workers. Together, the companies will also provide a complete aid package that includes food, bottled water, medical supplies, tents, blankets, flashlights and baby products. In addition, Kiwi will incorporate support for Soles4Souls Haitian relief effort in the company's upcoming events at the January 29 Philadelphia 76ers game as well as the January 30 Philadelphia Flyers game.

Soles4Souls has partnered with Operation Compassion, a charity that mobilizes support for victims of natural disasters around the world, to transport and distribute the aid. Thirty containers of supplies, including work boots, rain boots, children's athletic shoes and clothing items, are already en route to Haiti.

"As we struggle to comprehend the magnitude of this disaster, it's easy to forget how important basic necessities – such as shoes – will be in the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "KIWI's generous donation will enable us to provide these essential items to survivors and volunteers as they work in horrific conditions."

The death toll from Tuesday's quake continues to rise, and survivors and rescuers are facing dire health conditions including stifling heat, lack of clean water, broken glass and raw sewage.

"From the Asian tsunami to Hurricane Katrina to our ongoing efforts in Africa, KIWI Shoe Care has consistently responded to those in need through our shoe collection and distribution initiatives," said Martin Lind, President of Household and Beverage for Sara Lee Corporation. "KIWI is proud to stand with Soles4Souls in responding to the devastating Haitian earthquake and we will work tirelessly to ensure that all of those affected by this disaster are well served by this initiative to provide them with much-needed footwear."

For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.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 7 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.

About KIWI Shoe Care

Since 1906, KIWI has viewed shoes as a key part of personal grooming and its products as an important part of projecting a certain image to the world. This belief remains true today as KIWI is now sold and marketed in almost 200 countries worldwide. As an integral brand within Sara Lee Corporation's Household & Beverage Division since 1984, KIWI remains the world's number one shoe care brand offering Show Polish, Cleaners, Insoles and Shoe Laces. For more information on KIWI, visit www.kiwicare.com.

SOURCE Soles4Souls