Kenneth Cole Volunteers in Haiti
(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) October 12, 2011 — Designer and activist Kenneth Cole visits Haiti and distributes shoes to children in need. This trip follows a nationwide shoe drive and retail program, through AWEARNESS, The Kenneth Cole Foundation that ran from August 3rd 2011 to September 16th 2011. All told, the initiative raised more than $140K through customer donations and accumulated more than 3,000 pair of shoes. The donations will go to help build a community wellness center in Haiti to provide services for the local community in need.
In collaboration with Soles4Souls, top Kenneth Cole fund-raising associates from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle, and D.C. participated on the ground in Haiti engaging in volunteer work and shoe distributions at local orphanages and community schools.
“Over the last 18 years our company has collected more than 1.5 million pairs of shoes for the needy. Although the press and cameras are gone, the needs of this devastated Haitian community remain. Hopefully this has played a small role in helping the many less fortunate.” says Kenneth Cole.
About AWEARNESS, The Kenneth Cole Foundation AWEARNESS promotes, encourages and inspires meaningful social change, and supports like-minded Change Agents and organizations to make a difference. We also sell products and host events in support of their important causes. As part of each partnership, an AWEARNESS “Change Agent” is selected, and their story of social activism is highlighted to inspire others to get involved. These interviews and products can be seen on the AWEARNESS website www.awearness.com. About Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. designs, sources and markets a broad range of footwear, handbags, apparel and accessories under the brand namesKenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction and Unlisted, as well as footwear under the proprietary trademark Gentle Souls. The Company has also granted a wide variety of third party licenses for the production of men's, women's and children's apparel as well as fragrances, watches, jewelry, eyewear and several other accessory categories. The Company's products are distributed through department stores, better specialty stores, company-owned retail stores and its e-commerce website. Further information can be found at http://www.kennethcole.com. About Soles4Souls®, Clothes4Souls®, and Hope4Souls®Soles4Souls collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-enterprise efforts to eradicate poverty. Soles4Souls’ other two divisions, Clothes4Souls and Hope4Souls, provide the same relief and support through clothing and other necessities. Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org, www.clothes4souls.org, or www.hope4souls.org for more information.
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