In coordination with a national walk by “Soles4Souls,” a Nashville-based nonprofit organization, a group of Freed-Hardeman students have begun an effort to raise money for victims of the recent earthquakes and tsunami in Japan. Jessica Biby, a senior from Owassa, Okla., is the primary organizer of “One Walk for Japan,” which will be held May 7 at 2:00 p.m.
“Soles4Souls” collects, recycles and reuses shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and closets from individuals. It distributes usable shoes to people in need around the world, and since 2005 it has given away more than 13 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes to individuals in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States.
This summer, Biby will be interning with “Soles4Souls.” The organization’s simple message, “Changing the world, one pair at a time,” inspired Biby to progress from awareness to action. She said, “Japan needs our help with the provision of good quality shoes for rebuilding after the recent destructive events. The One Walk is the avenue for us to provide funding for shoes, a blessing that we take for granted every day.”
Biby and her team are attempting to raise $15,000 for individuals in Japan dealing with the earthquake and tsunami destruction. One hundred percent of the net revenue from the One Walk registration fee is dedicated to helping give shoes to children and adults in Japan.
Registration fee for “One Walk for Japan” is $25 and can be submitted online at onewalkforjapan.com. Those unable to walk are also encouraged to make donations. Visit http://www.giveshoes.org to learn more about “Soles4Souls.”