Jan. 22, 2018
NASHVILLE– The Vanderbilt men’s and women’s basketball teams will partner with global not-for-profit Soles4Souls to collect shoes to fight global poverty by hosting a shoe drive this week at home games at Memorial Gym. The men’s team will collect shoes at their SEC/Big 12 Challenge game on Saturday January 27 (3 PM CT) while the women’s team will collect shoes at their game against No. 16/17 Texas A&M on Sunday January 29 (2 PM CT)
Soles4Souls, a global social enterprise committed to fighting poverty through the collection and distribution of shoes and clothing, 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. since 2006. 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.
Soles4Souls 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. Many don’t have access to adequate
footwear.
-In many developing countries, walking is a primary mode of transportation. Each day millions face
the dangers of cuts, fungus, contaminated soil and insect bites that lead to infection, disease,
amputation and death. Providing safe, sturdy shoes could help end this cycle.
-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 provide dignity and hope.
-Over 600,000 individuals are homeless in the United States. In many cases, a new pair of shoes
may be their first step towards a better life.
-Fans will be able to drop off their donations at bins at the entrances at Memorial Gym beginning with Saturday’s men’s basketball game vs. TCU and concluding with the women’s game vs. Texas A&M.
Dates for Shoe Drive
Jan. 27 – MBB vs. TCU – 3 PM CT
Jan. 28 – WBB vs. Texas A&M – 2 PM CT