Bright Hope International Teams With Footwear Executive to Provide Tsunami Relief
Chicago (ots/PRNewswire)
Chicago-based relief organization, Bright Hope International, is partnering with footwear executive Wayne Elsey, of Old Hickory, Tennessee, to spearhead a worldwide relief effort to provide 100,000 pairs of shoes to victims of the South Asia Tsunami and to other needy areas around the world.
Elsey grew up in the shoe industry and has an impressive history in footwear, most recently as CEO of Footwear Specialties International. "My heart is saddened by the massive loss of life in this region of the world," he said. "I ask that shoe companies participate in this effort and forward to Bright Hope International excess and obsolete footwear inventory, apparel items and/or a cash donation for consolidation and shipment abroad."
Founded in 1968, Bright Hope International's mission is to provide for the physical, economic and spiritual needs of people living at the lowest economic level through personal, empowering, holistic, local church partnerships and projects. They see this natural disaster as the highest priority. Relief efforts will come from many organizations, but Bright Hope has identified a critical need for footwear among the survivors. Most of the coastal families lost everything in the flooding following the Tsunami. The shoes will not only help with the immediate needs for safety, but will also be the first step in the long-term journey of rebuilding their lives.
"Bright Hope International is a very unique organization, with our focus on the poorest of poor, needy families worldwide," said Craig Dyer, President of Bright Hope. "We are pleased to partner with Wayne on this footwear drive in order to consolidate and distribute the shoes to the neediest areas."
"Financial donations are also being accepted by Bright Hope to meet our other relief efforts in the affected areas," Dyer said. "If you are a retailer or manufacturer and would like to participate, you can contact us at our Chicago-area office, or visit http://www.brighthope.org . Shoes and other relief materials are already arriving, and we will support companies with tax-deductible donations for this effort."
"We hope to minimize the after-shock and deaths by providing essential clothing to the survivors," said Dyer. "Americans purchase over one billion pairs of shoes annually. We have the heart and capacity to make a difference."
Organizations and individuals interested in making a donation or sending excess or obsolete inventory to Bright Hope International, can contact Craig Dyer at Bright Hope International at +1-847-519-0012, or Wayne Elsey at +1-615-406-9738.
Web site: http://www.brighthope.org
Contact:
Craig Dyer at Bright Hope International, +1-847-519-0012,
info@brighthope.org , or Wayne Elsey, +1-615-406-9738