Supply Chain Leader Moves Over 100,000 Shoes
When other companies around the world share our core beliefs in serving others through sustainable solutions, we find a way to partner with them. XPO Logistics, a leading global provider of supply chain solutions, immediately wanted to know how they could help further our mission. And recently, they did just that, by shipping four ocean containers full of shoes, free of charge, from China to our distribution centers in the U.S., Canada, and Netherlands. The four containers held over 100,000 pairs of shoes donated from Skechers.
“Soles4Souls understands that shoes are more than just a fashion statement; they help people take their first steps toward a better life,” says XPO’s Katrina Liddell, Senior Vice President of Sales for North American Transportation. “Similarly, we believe that logistics is more than just moving goods from point A to point B. Our mission is to keep our customers’ goods moving for their customers in the most efficient way possible. Both XPO and Soles4Souls are passionate about moving the world forward to make it better for everyone.”
XPO’s service-driven culture and focus on sustainability has created action plans that reduce emissions, all while serving communities and organizations making a difference. Among some of their noteworthy green initiatives are having modernized their truck fleet in North America to ensure that new tractors meet Global Greenhouse Gas regulations. And in Europe, 98% of their fleet is compliant with Euro V, EEV and Euro VI standards.
“Working with XPO has been a tremendous blessing to Soles4Souls. Navigating shipping and transport of donations is often one of the most complicated pieces to providing international relief to organizations, and having XPO’s expertise, support and compassionate care has been invaluable to us. Because of them, shoes were moved quickly and painlessly to several countries, and tens of thousands of children will receive a new pair of shoes, experiencing the dignity and opportunity this item brings them. We are grateful for their swift action to the needs we have, even in the midst of global pandemic,” says Tiffany Turner, Director of Outreach for Soles4Souls.
To date, Soles4Souls has distributed over 40 million pairs of shoes through direct donation and our micro-enterprise program. Having a partnership with XPO that alleviates costs and moves a huge shoe donation, has helped us further our impact even faster.
“Soles4Souls approaches poverty differently. They focus on footwear to tackle inequality and make an immediate impact on peoples’ lives. By recognizing how important shoes are – especially for kids – they’re able to create endless opportunities for people all over the world. We’re honored to help by using our network to support their transportation and logistics needs,” says Liddell.