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Camillus House News
Camillus House and Soles4Souls join forces to distribute 10,000 pairs of new shoes to individuals who are homeless in Miami
March 6, 2009
More than 550 new pairs of shoes were distributed at Camillus' downtown shelter alone!
Camillus House and Soles4Souls joined forces this past February to distribute 1,000 pairs of new shoes to individuals who are homeless in Miami and served by Camillus House.
This donation came about after the recent event where shoes were spilled on a Miami Highway. Soles4Souls, an international charity based in Nashville, picked up the spilled shoes in Miami and distributed them to needy people in Haiti. The island nation is still recovering after a devastating hurricane season, and the shoe charity has already distributed 100,000 pairs of shoes to Haitians in the past four months.
“The sight of thousands of abandoned shoes was a stark reminder of how many shoes are tossed into American landfills,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "We asked our partners in the footwear industry to help us respond to people who desperately need footwear in the Miami area, and Invicta and Red Wing have stepped up to the plate in a huge way," said Elsey.
"We are very pleased that the spilled shoes were given to people that need them instead of ending up in a landfill," said Lt. Pat Santangelo, with the Florida Highway Patrol. "If that translates to new shoes being given to the Miami community, then all the better," he said.
The first distribution of shoes took place at the Camillus House’s downtown shelter, starting with the individuals participating in the organization’s Courtyard Program* as well as persons residing within Camillus’ 12 other housing facilities in Miami-Dade County. The remaining 9,000 shoes will be distributed through local agencies serving persons who are homeless in the Greater Miami community.
“We are extremely grateful that Soles4Souls came to us with all these new comfortable shoes,” said Camillus House President & CEO Dr. Paul R. Ahr. “Persons who are homeless suffer a great deal from foot problems, which can lead to other serious health issues. That’s why this donation from Invicta and Red Wing is so important to our community’s homeless population.”
About the Camillus House Courtyard Program
In 2006, Camillus House invited individuals who are chronically homeless to come and spend the day and evening in the atrium and the space that was formerly a parking lot at Camillus’ shelter facility located at 726 NE 1st Avenue. The goal was to provide overnight shelter in a safe environment to persons who would otherwise sleep on the streets of downtown Miami.
What began as an initiative to create a safe environment for an estimated 40 - 60 guests, has since blossomed into a formal program called the Camillus House Courtyard Program. Today, approximately 270 people who had for years slept on the street of downtown Miami are benefiting from this important program.
Through the Courtyard Program, Camillus House is able to provide multiple pathways for individuals to end the cycle of homelessness in their lives. For many, this path may lead to treatment and rehabilitation, while for others it may be housing and/or job placement.
About Soles4Souls
Nashville-based Soles4Souls™ facilitates the donations of both new and gently worn shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Soles4Souls has distributed more than 4 million pairs (currently donating one pair every 17 seconds) to people in over 70 countries, including Honduras, Uganda, Romania, and the United States. The charity has been featured recently in Runner's World and the Green Guide by National Geographic. It has also appeared on CNN, NBC, ABC, 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.
Invicta Care Foundation
Dedicated to helping and creating awareness, the non-profit charitable organization, Invicta Care Foundation, came to fruition in the hope of improving life for those who largely go un-noticed. Our mission is to raise the profile and provide much needed financial support to areas that are often over-looked or neglected by larger funding bodies. With full support from The Invicta Watch Group, Invicta Care is able to donate 100% of all donations and sales to pioneering organizations that work tirelessly in order to make a profound difference in the lives of others.
About Red Wing Shoe Company
Based in Red Wing, Minnesota, the Red Wing Shoe Company is a leading manufacturer and retailer of comfortable work, casual and outdoor footwear, with distribution in more than 100 countries around the globe. Brands include Red Wing Shoes, WORXÔ, Vasque, Irish Setter, and Carhartt Footwear.
