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

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

Shoe Carnival to raise funds through customer contribution program

PR Newswire — January 15, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. and EVANSVILLE, Ind., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ — Soles4Souls (www.giveshoes.org) and Shoe Carnival have joined forces to provide shoes and other aid to victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

As part of its ongoing partnership with Soles4Souls, Shoe Carnival will raise funds to support the donation of more than 250,000 pairs of shoes as well as other necessities, including food, bottled water, medical supplies and baby products, to affected areas. Beginning January 15, customers at Shoe Carnival’s more than 300 stores will have the opportunity make a contribution during checkout, which will directly support relief efforts.

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 deeply appreciate the support of Shoe Carnival and their customers in helping us provide shoes and other 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.

“We feel the deepest compassion for the survivors in Haiti as they begin to rebuild their lives and communities,” said Todd Beurman, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Shoe Carnival. “That is why we want to help in any way we can to ensure the people of Haiti are able to get back on their feet in these very difficult times.”

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

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