Pakistan is a nation teetering on the brink of several types of disaster. Monsoon rains have devastated its troubled northwest region near Peshawar, killing almost 1,500 and displacing over a million people in the past few days as swollen rivers of mud have swept through.  To make matters worse, a leading politician was assassinated in Karachi last night, further straining the government’s resources and ability to administer aid responsibly.

The U.N. Children’s Fund estimates that 100,000 children are suddenly at risk of life-threatening diseases, most of which can be prevented with a simple pair of shoes.  Therefore, we’ve dedicated ourselves to sending 100,000 pairs of new and gently worn shoes to Pakistan, but we need your help to make this happen.

How Can You Help?

Manufacturers — You’ve responded to our calls for help on numerous occasions, and we are so thankful for your partnership.  We need any inventory you can spare (regardless of the style or size).  We will pre-sort your footwear to ensure they are sent to the appropriate places for responsible distribution.  Your company can make a big difference to people living in one of the most chaotic places on earth.

Retailers – You’ve worked hard to make your store an anchor in your community.  Soles4Souls would like to offer your community the opportunity to reach out directly to Pakistanis and demonstrate the character of the American people through your retail store.  Whether they are donating gently worn shoes or a few dollars to help us send new shoes to the region, your retail store will be the immediate connection point between hundreds of thousands of people in desperate need and people from your town who wish to get involved.

Your decision to cross the line from reading this email to participating makes all the difference in the world.  Please join us in reaching out to a people in crisis.

We understand that many radical militant groups are swooping in to give aid in order to prove to Pakistanis that they don’t need Americans for anything.  Along with other aid partners, we believe that providing relief supplies in the name of the American public will go a long way in shoring up the fragile (and vital) relationship between our countries.

Soles4Souls has always provided aid where it is needed, regardless of political, religious, ethnic or any other criteria.  Will you help us reach out to our Pakistani friends and show them that we care about their families?