Soles4Souls® Inc. Sending Aid to Earthquake Victims in New Zealand

Shoe Charity providing 50,000 pairs of shoes to victims in Christchurch, New Zealand

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Feb 23, 2011, 09:32 ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Soles4Souls Inc., the shoe charity, announced their commitment to provide 50,000 pairs of new shoes to victims of the February 22 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. The 6.3 earthquake has killed an estimated 75 individuals, according to recent news reports, with thousands of others injured and hundreds still missing.

In partnership with their partners in Australia, Soles4Souls is sending shoes to assist in the victim recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The charity continues to receive generous support from the general public, as well as its longstanding partners in the footwear industry. One such partner is Foot Solutions, which has 220 locations throughout the United States and announced its plans to raise funds and shoes for Soles4Souls.

"We are deeply saddened by the events in Christchurch and are hoping our resources will help assist those who lost everything," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "In the wake of a natural disaster, shoes are of paramount importance to protect those affected from the abundance of broken glass and twisted metal," he added.

The initial quake, which struck Christchurch shortly before 1 p.m. on Tuesday, was followed by a series of 33 aftershocks with magnitudes of 4 to 6, according to the New Zealand Ministry of Defense.

Elsey added that his organization will continue to monitor the situation in the weeks to come, and will provide more aid as needed.

For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in New Zealand, visit www.giveshoes.org.

About Soles4Souls® & Clothes4Souls®

Soles4Souls collects, recycles and reuses shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and closets from individuals. We distribute usable shoes to people in need around the world (we recycle less than 2% of donated footwear). Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 13 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 7 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States.

Clothes4Souls, a new division of Soles4Souls, provides hope for hurting people through the gift of new clothing from manufacturers, designers, and retailers. Those who graciously give (rather than destroy) unused inventory are assured their donations are distributed to people around the world living in desperate need.

Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org or www.clothes4souls.org for more information.

SOURCE Soles4Souls