Soles4Souls(R), the Shoe Charity and VANS Shoes Partner for Haitian Relief Efforts

Shoe Company to Donate 10,000 Pairs of Shoes to the Victims

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Jan 15, 2010, 08:00 ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Soles4Souls (www.giveshoes.org) and Vans have partnered to provide shoes and other relief supplies to victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

Vans will donate 10,000 pairs of shoes to survivors and volunteers as part of an industry-wide relief effort mounted by Soles4Souls. In addition to a complete aid package that includes food, bottled water, medical supplies, tents, blankets, flashlights and baby products, Soles4Souls and its partners will provide more than 100,000 pairs of shoes.

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, we cannot 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. "We are grateful to our good friends at Vans for their support. This 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, and essential items such as shoes.

"We are honored to be a part of this important relief effort," said Kevin Bailey, President of Vans. "With mounting public health concerns about conditions in the area, something as simple as a pair of shoes can make a huge impact on relief efforts. We are grateful to Soles4Souls for leading the charge to bring these and other basic necessities to victims."

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 Vans®

Vans, the leader in action sports footwear and apparel, is a brand of VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC). Vans collections, which include active footwear, apparel and accessories, snowboard boots and outerwear and the Pro-tec line of protective gear, are sold in the United States through more than 200 company owned stores and factory outlets as well as independent retailers. Internationally, Vans sells its goods in approximately 50 countries through a network of distributors, sales agents and foreign offices. Vans supports and promotes the action sports lifestyle through such events and destinations as, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing™, The Vans Downtown Showdown, the Pro-tec Pool Party and the Vans Warped Tour®.

SOURCE Soles4Souls