Soles4Souls(TM) Inc. Working to Help Victims of Bangladesh Cyclone

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Soles4Souls Inc., the charity dedicated to donating footwear worldwide, has announced that they will be donating 35,000 pairs of shoes to the victims of the recent Bangladesh Cyclone. The disaster has displaced at least 650,000 villagers, destroyed tens of thousands of homes and killed over 3,100 people, with the death toll certain to rise as rescuers reach remote villages in the low-lying country. Officials said it was the worst storm in 20 years, and many evacuees were left with nothing.

"The people of Bangladesh are currently dealing with a very tragic event," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "There was massive destruction to their homes and villages. I am hopeful that organizations and people in industrialized countries will respond to help these people, and Soles4Souls is ready to respond with the gift of shoes during this large scale rebuilding process."

Soles4Souls is partnering with World Vision, which has already distributed food and medicine to the region. World Vision has put together seven-day packages for families in the shelters that include rice, oil, sugar, salt, candles and blankets. Once the immediate concern of food and shelter are taken care of, the long process of rebuilding begins.

The victims of the cyclone have returned to their villages to find unsafe conditions. There is a large amount of debris blocking roads and rivers, making transportation by foot the main method of travel. Streets and major roads are littered with shingles, metal, broken glass, uprooted trees and downed power lines.

"It is important that we get these people the proper footwear to help them pick up the pieces," Elsey added. "Right now it is a very unsafe environment for them. Sturdy shoes will give those people a firm foundation to be able to clean up and rebuild their homes, schools and buildings. It also helps prevent injuries and infection, which is critical in a situation like this."

Soles4Souls is asking for your unused boots and waterproof footwear. If you do not have sturdy boots or hikers that you can donate, small cash donations are a great way to get involved. Each pair of shoes cost a dollar for shipping and distribution. To donate cash or footwear, visit www.giveshoes.org or www.soles4souls.org and follow the instructions.

ABOUT SOLES4SOULS

Nashville-based Soles4Souls(TM) facilitates the donations of shoes, which will be used to aid the hurting worldwide. The organization has distributed over 3 million pairs of shoes since January 2005 (or one pair of shoes every 28 seconds). Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate both new and "gently worn" footwear. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. For more information about Soles4Souls, please call (866) 521-SHOE.