Mumbai: Ahead of the World Shoe Day, Inc. 5 – an industry leader in shoes, bags and accessories began its #Sole4Soul drive to enable the underprivileged walk comfortably. Inc. 5 stores across India are open from 10 am to 10 pm for this donation drive, encouraging people to donate their shoes to those in need.
The ones who do so will not only experience the joy of giving but will also get a 20% off on their new pair of Inc. 5 shoes.
For many deprived Indians during the extreme weathers, wearable shoes are an unattainable necessity. Living below the poverty line, they find the cost of a good pair of shoes too expensive and low on their list of priorities. So many venture out unprepared for India’s harsh weathers. Children tend to be the worst affected and most are unable to go to schools that are far away from their homes due to the arduous journey with improper and at times no footwear.
Amin Virji, Managing Director of Inc.5 said,“Every year, people in India with poor footwear or none at all are exposed to dangerous parasites. The ones that have to go through their everyday lives without shoes are often at risk for a number of debilitating conditions but sadly such is the reality of our country. Though shoes alone do not solve all problems we all agree that it helps them build their self-esteem and give hope. Moreover, the most popular way to get around in India is via walking or by the use of public transportation. Hence a pair of decent shoes is much needed, and they don’t have to be fancy, but they need to be good comfortable shoes. Unfortunately, they cost money. At Inc.5, we want to ensure steps are taken with care and that every child, woman or man has access to good quality and comfortable shoes.”
He further added, “As a brand, we feel responsible for our fellow beings and will continue to go the extra mile to ensure more initiatives like these are taken up by our industry. It is indeed a proud moment for us to be the only brand to kickstart this movement in India. We have already received an overwhelming response from our patrons and customers and have already collected thousands of shoes. By donating our industry surplus, we are probably poised to set a new record in shoe donation with the help of The Equal Agency and various NGO’s like Save the Children, Zenith Education and Welfare Trust, Angel Xpress Foundation and Vision Rescue that have partnered with us. I am hoping that with every passing year, our shoe donation drive and its partners and benefactors keep increasing.”
