Give10 Spotlight: Sole Hope

It all started with a YouTube video. The graphic and heartbreaking video exposed Asher Collie, the founder of Sole Hope, to the truth about Jiggers. Jiggers are small sand fleas that burrow into bare feet and if left untreated cause infection, paralysis and occasionally amputation. Jiggers, Collie learned, are a common problem among Ugandan children who often live their lives without adequate protective footwear. After watching the video, a seed was planted in Collie's heart. Nurtured by Collie's passion for the widows and orphans of Zambia and her own self confessed shoe addiction, the seed blossomed into Sole Hope. Sole Hope is a not for profit organization who's mission is "to offer HOPE to widows, orphans and others within impoverished and forgotten communities around the world by teaching the simple trade of shoe making which provides jobs and shoes to those in need." Collie saw a need, and now Sole Hope is working to meet it.

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What I love about Sole Hope is that it started in Africa (Uganda and Zambia) but has transitioned into a project here in America too. African widows aren't the only people struggling to support their families. And they certainly aren't the only people who can benefit from learning a trade. I love that Sole Hope expanded their ministry and is working with men and women in Asheville, North Carolina too. According to their website, "This is creating a sense of pride because they are not only changing their future with the income they are making; they are making a quality shoe that protects children's feet."

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But what about the shoes? Well, they are pretty much totally adorable. Not only is Sole Hope doing "good" they are doing good with some style. Plus, the soles are made of recycled materials. Sole Hope promises their shoes are 96% recycled and 100% handmade. If that isn't further reason to fall in love, I'm not sure what it's going to take to convince you.

There are several creative and easy ways we can join in Sole Hope's mission. The first and most obvious way is to make a financial contribution. Sole Hope hooked me when I read that, "a $10 donation means that a child in Uganda or Zambia will get a pair of closed toe shoes." {It's like they knew about #give10 or something... hmmmm} Perhaps you'd like a wee one in your life to own a pair of these adorable kicks? Well, Sole Hope has an online store. There's a warm fuzzy in knowing that proceeds from your purchase are going to protect a child's feet, isn't there? Another fun way to get involved would be to host a shoe cutting party. Sole Hope will provide you with everything you need to cut out a batch of shoe "uppers" that will be turned into life changing product. You can order a packet with instructions from their website. But right now, the simplest way to support Sole Hope is to Vote. Cultivate Wines is giving away $50,000 and Sole Hope could use your help to win the money. With a few simple clicks every day, you can make a huge impact. Just click HERE and then click "Vote for This." It's really that simple.

Need more convincing?





Sole Hope Promo 2012 from jason garris on Vimeo.

Sole Hope is just one of the organizations to inspire us during our #give10 project. 

For a complete list of recipients visit my #give10 page 

or click here to learn more about the project and its inspiration.

If there is an organization you'd like to see included, please, let me know.