Soles4Souls™ and Save Africa’s Children Announce Partnership to Benefit Hundreds of Thousands of African Children
Nashville-based shoe charity will appear at Save Africa’s Children Music Festival on Friday, September 26, 2008 in Los Angeles
Nashville TN and Los Angeles, CA — Soles4Souls™ Inc., the international charity dedicated to providing free footwear to those in desperate need, routinely responds to requests for help from victims of natural disasters around the world, such as the recent hurricanes in the U.S. Gulf Coast. Another key component of the charity’s mission is to give assistance to people living in abject poverty, such as Sub-Saharan Africa.
That’s where the partnership with noteworthy charity Save Africa’s Children (SAC) comes in. SAC is an African-American founded organization that provides direct support to children affected by the worst possible living conditions: a runaway HIV/AIDS pandemic, abject poverty and civil war, which have combined to create an intolerable existence for millions of children. SAC has reached over 200,000 children in 21 African nations.
“We are joining with Save Africa’s Children to reach as many African kids as possible,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls Inc. “Their reputation and programs are inspiring, and we are pleased to provide thousands of shoes to help support the fantastic work they are doing across the African continent,” he said.
“Save Africa’s Children has directed support to over 400 orphan care programs and Soles4Souls has proven success in distributing millions of shoes globally,” said Bishop Charles E. Blake, Founder and CEO of Save Africa’s Children. “In addition to ongoing care and support provided by Save Africa’s Children, these children desperately need quality shoes. We are honored to partner with Soles4Souls to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in Africa.”
Save Africa’s Children is hosting the first annual Music Festival, Friday, September 26, 2008 at 7:00 PM, at West Angeles Cathedral (3600 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA).
Guitar virtuoso Doc Powell will produce this spectacular star-studded music event, featuring Multiple GRAMMY® Award Winner Yolanda Adams, Host Jonathan Slocumb, Grammy and Stellar winner Kirk Whalum + 3 Generations of Whalums, Grammy winner Pieces of a Dream, world renown Jeff Bradshaw & Brass Heaven, Grammy nominated Guitarist Doc Powell, a Super All-Star Band, Celebrity Hosts and many Surprise Guests.
For tickets to the event, please call (866) 313-2722 for more details or visit www.saveafricaschildren.org. All proceeds will benefit orphan children in Africa with education, sanitation, water and free footwear.
“The gift of shoes is a simple yet effective way to help erase the stigma of poverty, stop puncture wounds, end scrapes and prevent burns to feet of the poor and destitute,” said Elsey. “By partnering with Save Africa’s Children and supplementing the wonderful services they provide, we can make a strong impact in the lives of thousands of kids,” he said.
Soles4Souls has already set aside thousands of shoes for the project, but can use any donations to increase the effectiveness of the campaign. There are several ways people and companies can give assistance: footwear companies can donate new and excess inventory, retailers can host a shoe drive, and individuals can donate shoes or cash to help with shipping expenses.
For more information on Save Africa’s Children and the First Annual Music Festival on Friday, September 26, visit www.saveafricaschildren.org. For more information on Soles4Souls, visit www.giveshoes.org.
About Save Africa’s Children (SAC)
Save Africa’s Children (SAC), a program of the Pan African Children’s Fund, is an African-American founded organization, providing direct support to children affected by HIV/AIDS, poverty and war throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. SAC partners with American and African churches, individuals, grassroots organizations, government and corporate sectors to meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable; endeavoring to build a dynamic, diverse movement to restore hope and a future for Africa’s children. Visit www.saveafricaschildren.org for more information.
About Soles4Souls
Nashville-based Soles4Souls™ facilitates the donations of both new and used shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Since its inception, Soles4Souls has distributed more than 3.4 million pairs (or one pair every 23 seconds) to people in more than 60 countries, including Honduras, Romania, Thailand, and the Sudan. The charity has been featured on CNN Headline News, NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, ABC News, FOX, CBS, and hundreds of regional outlets around North America. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org for more information.
SOURCE: Soles4Souls Inc.
CONTACTS: Chris Carmichael, 503-319-1726 chrisc@giveshoes.org
Kim Dettwiller, 615-321-4073, kimd@giveshoes.org
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