February Shoe Drive for Soles4Souls

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Ellen Eppie, Soles4Souls Ambassador, Founder and Chief Curator, Scooch A Mi Boutique, Chatham, NJ, Chatham NJ Rotarian

973-769-7872

ellen@scoochami.com

Scooch A Mi Boutique and Chatham NJ Rotary Collecting Gently-Worn Shoes to Help Soles4Souls Fight Global Poverty

Chatham, NJ (February, 2019) – One person’s unwanted shoes can help provide meaningful opportunities that many in developing nations need, which is why Scooch A Mi Boutique has launched a shoe drive along with Chatham NJ Rotary to collect 600 pairs of new or gently-worn shoes.

The shoes will be delivered to Soles4Souls - a non-profit social enterprise that creates sustainable jobs and provides relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world. Founded in 2006, the organization has distributed more than 30 million pairs of new and gently-worn shoes in 127 countries.

The World Bank estimates that approximately 767 million people live on less than $1.90 per day. Many people living in extreme poverty simply do not have access to stable employment.

Soles4Souls’ micro-enterprise programs offer a long-term solution to poverty through job creation in places like Haiti, Honduras and Sierra Leone. They also give a second life to unwanted shoes, keeping them out of landfills and protecting the environment.

Scooch A Mi Boutique is a strong supporter of Soles4Souls’ mission. Ellen Eppie, Founder and Chief Curator and Soles4Souls Ambassador said, “To know that we can create meaningful impact around the globe by simply collecting and donating what is otherwise destined for the trash is a really great feeling.”

The shoes are sold for an average of $1 per pair to non-profit partners in developing countries, that provide business training to local entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs purchase the shoes and are then able to start businesses of their own selling the product in their local marketplaces. This allows entrepreneurs the opportunity to earn a sustainable income, and ultimately purchase necessities like food, shelter and education.

The income generated by selling just one pair of shoes in Haiti can provide up to five meals for a family in need, whereas 30 pairs sold by an entrepreneur in Honduras can provide up to a year of schooling for a child. Revenue generated by Soles4Souls’ micro-enterprise operations funds the organization’s free distribution programs, that provide new shoes to people in need both in the U.S. and around the world.

“Millions of pairs of shoes lay idle in people’s closets,” said Ellen. “Give those to Soles4Souls instead; and know that you are taking a step to help disrupt the cycle of poverty around the globe.”

Scooch A Mi Boutique and Chatham NJ Rotary Shoe Drive for Soles4Souls information:

• During the month of February 2019, bring your new or gently-worn shoes of any kind to:

Scooch A Mi Boutique, 17 North Passaic Avenue, Chatham, NJ 07928

• For more information, please contact:

Ellen Eppie, 973-769-7872, ellen@scoochami.com

About Scooch A Mi Boutique

Scooch A Mi is a socially-conscious boutique in Chatham, NJ that features handmade jewelry, accessories, and gifts from global artisans. Launched in 2016, owner Ellen Eppie seeks to “spread mindful kindness” by supporting like-minded entrepreneurs and artists who show creativity and imagination while giving back to a heartfelt cause or community.

About Chatham NJ Rotary

Chatham NJ Rotary is comprised of neighbors, friends, and community leaders who are creating positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world. Our diverse occupations, cultures, and experiences give us a unique perspective. Our shared passion for service helps us accomplish remarkable feats.

About Soles4Souls

Soles4Souls disrupts the cycle of poverty by creating sustainable jobs and providing relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the organization repurposes product to supply its micro-enterprise, disaster relief and direct assistance programs. Since 2006, it has distributed more than 30 million pairs of shoes in 127 countries and generated over $250 million in economic impact. A nonprofit social enterprise, Soles4Souls earns more than half of its income and commits 100% of donations to programs. Visit soles4souls.org for more information.