Skechers is supporting Haiti earthquake relief efforts with a $1 million donation through the Skechers Foundation to be given to three charitable organizations: CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), Hope For Haiti and World Central Kitchen. The company is supporting these organizations to help the Haitian people who need immediate assistance recovering from the recent natural disaster. In addition, Skechers has created the Skechers Haiti Relief Fund to generate more contributions. The first donations and commitments have come from company employees, brand ambassadors (including Howie Long, Meb Keflezighi, Brooke Burke and Jon Gruden) and licensees (including United Legwear and Apparel Company, Fossil Group, ONSKINERY GmbH and Floriey Industries). These and future donations will be in addition to the $1 million from Skechers and will also go to CORE, Hope for Haiti and World Central Kitchen.
“As soon as we heard about the devastation, it was clear that Skechers needed to step up and help the people of Haiti,” states Michael Greenberg, president. “We’re donating a combined $1 million to three organizations that are making an immediate difference today—and two of which have been providing critical aid in Haiti for many years.” Greenberg adds, “We are expecting to raise significant additional funds through the Million Dollar Challenge for Haiti—one that will encourage our ambassadors, partners and employees to donate with us as the need is tremendous.”
Since the tragic event on the morning Aug. 14, more than 2,100 people have died with countless others critically injured. According to UNICEF, more than 84,000 homes were damaged or destroyed and over 500,000 children have been left without necessary food, shelter or clean water.
“We are extremely grateful for this support as funding on the ground is urgently needed,” states Ann Lee, CEO and co-founder of CORE, and organization co-founded by actor and activist Sean Penn in response to the 2010 Haitian earthquake disaster. “The devastation throughout the region is tremendous and there are countless lives that hang in the balance. These resources support our teams that have been on the ground since day one, our mobile medical units, shelter kits, and heavy equipment, clearing access into affected communities for life-saving operations to help those most impacted by the crisis. Our priority is to assist the Haitian government and local organizations by supporting the immediate needs of the Haitian people while developing a long-term recovery plan.”
“Our team is incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Skechers Foundation to launch the Skechers Economy Fund,” states Skyler Badenoch, CEO, Hope for Haiti, whose ongoing mission is to provide resources to help communities in rural areas thrive while improving the quality of life for Haitian people, particularly children. “This contribution will support direct economic relief as a part of our emergency response and recovery plan, specifically providing 1,000 micro grants, 20 loans, financial literacy classes, and digital currency education to school teachers and micro-, small-, and medium-sized businesses with the support of blockchain-enabled cash transfers.”
World Central Kitchen, founded by chef José Andrés, uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. The organization also helps create food resilience and skill training to build opportunities within the community while feeding those who are hungry.
“We are so proud of our associates and affiliates around the globe,” Greenberg says. “We know that our teams and partners will come through for the people of Haiti whose lives have been upturned. Skechers is a culture of caring and making a difference is paramount to who we are.”
