Announcing Third Annual Barefoot Week June 1-7
Soles4Souls Announces Third Annual "Barefoot Week" June 1-7, 2010
Get more information about how you can get involved, visit www.barefootweek.com.
Religious organizations can learn more about Barefoot Sunday at www.barefootsunday.com.
Non-profit rolls out event plans & celebrity support to encourage public participation
Soles4Souls announced its schedule for Barefoot Week 2010 today. The non-profit organization will again be distributing more than 50,000 pairs of new shoes in the United States while it also collects much needed donations support shoe drives at schools, churches and community centers.
“National Barefoot Day”, which will take place on Tuesday, June 1, 2010, will kick various events across the country scheduled for the rest of the week, which is known as “National Barefoot Week”, which will be held each year during the first week of June.
On “Barefoot Wednesday”, June 2, Soles4Souls Founder & CEO and staff will go barefoot as well as challenge all members of the press to go barefoot for at least 4 consecutive hours during the week and report on its effects to their viewers.
"Barefoot Saturday” and “Barefoot Sunday", June 5 and 6, offers unique opportunities for congregations to remove their shoes and walk out of worship services barefoot. The efforts of participating congregations will go toward helping put shoes on the feet of barefoot children around the world. The U.S. government estimates that over 300 million children around the world don't own a single pair of shoes.
"We want to invite people to join hundreds of thousands of Soles4Souls supporters around the world in participating in Barefoot Week," said Wayne Elsey, Founder & CEO of Nashville-based Soles4Souls. "Anyone can make an important difference to someone in need by starting their own shoe drive, cleaning out their closet, sending us a new pair of shoes or making a simple cash donation. Our charity thrives on the active involvement of everyday people making the decision to step up and help less fortunate people, both here in the United States and around the world," he said.
Celebrities are also lending their support of Barefoot Week in hopes of encouraging more participation with the charity's programs. Scarlett Johansson, who previously donated 2000 pairs of new shoes from her own line of Reebok footwear, has lent her name to help raise publicity about Barefoot Week. Other celebrities, such as Antawn Jamison, Jessica Simpson, Brittany Snow, Kellie Pickler, Luke Perry, Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Rev Run, Riddick Bowe, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Perez Hilton and Tim Dunn have also voiced their support for the weeklong series of events.
"If you can't dig deep in your pockets, than dig in your closet! Americans can make a huge difference with Soles4Souls by donating shoes. Souls4Soles gives away a pair of shoes every 13 seconds in over 120 countries, with over 55 percent donated to fellow Americans." -Scarlett Johansson (who has donated 2,000 pairs of new shoes in the past)
"Whether it's a child struggling to go to school in Kenya, or an American who needs a pair of work boots, Soles4Souls is there to answer the simple requests of millions of people. We hope you will participate in Barefoot Week and help change the world, one pair at a time." -Brittany Snow
"I applaud Soles4Souls for being so dedicated to helping provide shoes to everyone they encounter who needs them. We need more organizations like them who understand the true nature of giving while expecting nothing in return. They are making a difference in the world, one pair of shoes at a time!" -Antawn Jamison, 2-time NBA All-Star for the Washington Wizards
"I am thrilled to support Soles4Souls and…Barefoot Week in order to help spread their mission to 'Change the world one pair at a time.' Their commitment is inspiring and I hope that thousands of people join me in support of the fantastic work they are doing across America." –Kellie Pickler
"It's an honor to donate shoes to help Soles4Souls as they do incredible things for the less fortunate people in this world. I encourage everyone to lend support." -Jessica Simpson
"I've got sole but I'm not a soldier. However, with Soles4Souls I am helping to fight the war against poverty in my own small way by giving to those in need." -Perez Hilton
"You don't have to be a singer to have sole! Help Soles4Souls by donating your unwanted shoes this year to children in need all around the world. It feels good to let somebody walk in your shoes!" -Nick Lachey
"There are many people around the world that have never owned a pair of shoes, and Soles4Souls is working very hard to put a pair of brand new shoes on their feet. I encourage everyone to donate as many shoes as possible." -Randy Jackson
Get more information about how you can get involved, visit www.barefootweek.com.
Religious organizations can learn more about Barefoot Sunday at www.barefootsunday.com.
