Soles4Souls protects feet around the world

By Alexia Wiilliams
Staff Writer

Do you have an extra pair of shoes lying around or maybe a pair that you’ve outgrown?
Cal State Dominguez Hills is continuing its annual Soles4Souls fundraising event this semester.
Soles4Souls is a non-profit social enterprise based in Nashville, Tenn. Its mission is to create sustainable jobs and to provide relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing through all parts of the world.
Beginning in 2006, Soles4Souls has distributed over 30 million pairs of shoes in 127 countries, in all 50 U.S. states.
Many do not realize the power of shoes. A new pair can protect children and adults from diseases. They also allow children an opportunity for education, with the goal being to help break the cycle of poverty.
A used pair of shoes creates economic change worldwide. They help entrepreneurs in developing nations earn an income by repurposing and selling what others no longer need.
These donated shoes provide relief to many different nations in times of disaster, which helps bridge the economic gap in the United States, Canada and struggling nations.
CSUDH has already collected over 7,000 pairs of shoes.
There are still ways to help increase that number. New or lightly worn shoes can be dropped off in the Soles4Souls boxes around campuses in areas like Welch Hall, University Library, Housing, Athletics or the ASI Office.
Shoes that have been collected on campus will then be delivered to the international nonprofit Soles4Souls location and distributed from there.