August - 117

/

Our total for August is 117! We had a light month, but we're committed to coming back strong for the remainder of the year. We established a couple of new drop locations in Boca Raton at Aces Barber shop and in Miami at Shoe Gallery, please stop by to visit our partners. Thank you to all that contributed and please keep the donations coming!

Shoe Gallery

/

Shoe Gallery is an official drop spot for Sole Relief!

Stop by and check them out: 

244 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33132

ShoeGallery's history has deep roots in Miami. Founder Abram Waserstein, fled Cuba's dictator, Fidel Castro, leaving his shoe business behind to start a new life in Miami.In 1979, knowing what the customers wanted and using his savvy buying skills, Abram succeeded in planting a seed in Downtown Miami called ShoeGallery.

In 1985, his son, Jaime Waserstein, came into the business, elevated the brand assortment, and took advantage of a very busy influx of Caribbean consumers coming to Miami to shop for brand names like Clark's, Kangol, Travel Fox, and Bally.

In 2000, Jaime’s son, Danny Waserstein decides to get into the family business. Danny launches ShoeGallery to the next level by creating a platform that involves a one-stop shop power house that includes the best lifestyle footwear, apparel, and accessory labels our industry has to offer. With the help of our dedicated staff, SG strives to be leaders in the ever-so changing fashion industry and ensure a unique and amazing shopping experience.

 

 

 

 

Haiti: June 26th - July 1st

/

Day 1: The flight was fine and we met up with our group. Our coordinator was delayed at customs with additional sneakers for our distribution. Our van didn't make it to the hotel, as the full rim/tire started coming off - another slight delay until we could get picked up by another van. Our new driver, a little on the aggressive side, caused a road rage incident that didn't go over too well with the locals, especially since his van was full with Americans. We got boxed in and things got a little tense, but we made our way through. We arrived at the hotel, checked in with guards armed with machine guns. We're in for the night, exhausted, but spirits are high, the group we're with seems great and everyone is ready to get started tomorrow with the first distribution.

Day 2: Today was pretty incredible. We started early and jumped on a boat to an island that was about 15 miles away. The level of poverty is astonishing. We gave out about 200 pairs of sneakers to kids of all ages, mostly very young. The distribution was visible through perimeter fences and it attracted some older kids, unhappy that they were not participating, they started throwing glass bottles. We were about done anyway, so we wrapped up. It was a long day, but definitely successful. We're back at it tomorrow for 2 distributions in 2 new locations.

Day 3: We distributed about 100 pairs of shoes today at school, we were supposed to do 2 stops, but the van broke down, we were delayed and didn't have time for the next stop. The drive to the school took about 3 hours each way, driving through these streets is surreal, up close to the poverty, overcrowding, malnourished animals and seeing just how hard people are working. We have one more distribution tomorrow.

Day 4, part 1: We hiked up to a remote village on the top of a mountain. We distributed about another 100 pairs of shoes to people with no water, no school - they have very little of anything. They told us that's their destiny - so they make it work. It's a 3 hour walk to the closest running stream, they rely on rain.

Part 2: We ended the day at a feeding center, we helped hand out meals and then played with the kids. They were happy to whoop us in the slaps game, each of us walked away with the top of our hands bright red.

So there you have it – Haiti 2016 – with our partners at Soles4Souls, we can’t wait to do it again!

Haiti - Here we come!

/

We will be traveling to Haiti tomorrow to distribute footwear! We should cover much of the island, with 4 separate distributions planned around the local communities, either at orphanages or schools. We won’t necessarily be handing out sneakers that we’ve collected ourselves, but we’re stepping out of our comfort zone and volunteering to see firsthand the final destination of sneakers collected by our partners at Sole4Souls and the positive impact it has on underprivileged families. Many of you have  helped Sole Relief become a success and we just can’t thank you enough. Stay tuned for updates!