Jan. 19, 2017
Vanderbilt’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will be collecting shoes for Soles4Souls, a not for profit global social enterprise committed to fighting poverty through the collection and distribution of shoes and clothing, at Memorial Gym next week. The women will collect shoes on January 26 for their game against Alabama (8 p.m. CT), while the men will do their part for Soles4Souls in their game against Iowa State on January 28 (3 p.m. CT).
Since 2006 Soles4Souls has collected and distributed 30 million pairs of new shoes to those in need in 127 countries around the world and all 50 states in the U.S. Every day children are prevented from attending school, adults are unable to work. Walking becomes unbearable. A new pair of shoes provides relief today so thousands can succeed tomorrow.
Did You Know:
- 900 million people around the world live in extreme poverty. 400 million are children. These are families and individuals living on less than $1.90 per day. Many don’t have access to adequate footwear.
- In order for many children around the world to attend school, they must own shoes. If they don’t, they will not be permitted to attend and are at risk of falling behind and may not be able to continue their education.
- Right here in the United States, 1 in 5 children live below the poverty line. When we can help provide a pair of shoes, we’re helping bridge the economic gap. For these families, a new pair of shoes provides dignity and hope.