Synclaire Brands / BCNY International Donates 100,000 Pairs of Shoes for Soles4Souls® Japanese Relief Efforts

With the number of victims continuing to rise, the charity is providing footwear to victims of the earthquake and tsunami

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Soles4Souls

Mar 21, 2011, 10:25 ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity announced that Synclaire Brands / BCNY International will donate shoes for the charity's relief efforts following the devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked Japan on March 9, 2011. All of Synclaire Brands / BCNY International's donation will be used for Japan relief efforts.

"In the world's most tragic moments of natural disasters, we have always felt it important to give back and help those in need," said Evan Cagner, President of Synclaire Brands / BCNY International. "Soles4Souls continues to provide a platform of giving where we know our footwear will reach the feet of every man, woman, and child that so desperately needs it," said Bruce Cagner, CEO of Synclaire Brands / BCNY International.

Soles4Souls has partnered with other organizations on the ground in Japan to transport and distribute the aid needed as the devastation from the earthquake continues to unfold. Since the charities inception after the Asian Tsunami in 2004, the shoe charity has continued to respond to natural disasters like the one in Japan with footwear that protect victims against foot-borne diseases.

"As we continue to realize the magnitude of this disaster for our friends in Japan, 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 deeply appreciate the support of Synclaire Brands / BCNY International in helping us to provide shoes to survivors."

For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Japan, 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