Helping Children – One Pair of Shoes at a Time
The Facts
Did you know that over 16 million children in the United States alone were living in poverty in 2011? I read that statistic and my jaw dropped. Over 16 million. It broke my heart. Now think about the other countries that are not as developed as our country is – I can’t even imagine what the numbers are there.
Did you know that children around the world are suffering, and in some cases dying, from not having proper footwear? A leading cause of disease is from parasites, some of which are found in the soil and can enter through feet. Also, foot trauma and hookworm prevail – all three super important reasons why the founders of Shuzz took action.
How it All Began
After the earthquake hit Haiti in 2011, Rita Lombardo along with a friend decided they wanted to do something to help the Haitian people. They booked a flight and brought with them 300 pairs of shoes – delivering them to an orphanage. Once returning stateside, they realized the dire need for something that some of us may take for granted – shoes. Arming these children with a pair of shoes can help to ensure that they will hopefully prevent diseases and allow them to life their lives a little better.
I love all that Shuzz has done already – partnering with organizations to provide shoes and medical care to children here in the United States, as well as Guyana, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Jamaica, Nepal and Africa. Shuzz fuels many programs including:
ART | FASHION
This is the 6th year for the Annual SHUZZ | ART | FASHION show, the largest fashion show event in SE Florida that, via the support of local businesses and corporations, sets its goal to raise $250,000 – all of which will go to shoe donations and medical relief efforts. Major sponsors this year include Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (also the venue for this year’s fashion show), Neiman Marcus, and Celebrity Cruises.
This year Veronica Beard’s 2016 Spring collection will grace the catwalk. I think I would like every single one of the outfits below…
Interested in attending? Tickets are available HERE. Can’t attend but want to know what you can do to help? Click HERE.
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What an amazing organization! This looks like such a fun event. Thank you for sharing the great work people are doing.
It truly is, Helen!
What a fabulous cause and event. It’s unfortunate that I’m in the west coast, but this is fantastic to hear great causes occurring all over the world. Thank you for sharing!
Jennifer, I completely agree with you in that it is a fabulous cause and event. Even though you are on the West Coast, you can help a bit – did you know that $5 will provide a pair of shoes to a child in need? It really puts our lives into perspective!
Thank you for the information about shuzz. I can picture you in all the clothes shown.
Me too Mama!!! LOL
I’m happy to read about a community that feels so wholeheartedly about the next generation.Those numbers amaze me to every time I feel horrible about my day, I’m like who am I to complain great story and the pieces for Shuzz Fashion is right up my alley.
I know Melody – the statistics put me right back into place when I am grumpy about something trivial.
Wow! That’s awesome that Shuzz has a bigger fashion line as a means of spreading their message. Feet are so easy to overlook when you don’t have to worry about them. This reminds me of another organization that is close to my heart, Love Your Melon. LYM covers the children’s heads instead of feet XD
I definitely need to check out Love Your Melon – thanks for the recommendation!!
What a great cause! I love finding new organizations like this to support!
Me too Rachel – it makes me feel good that there are organization such as SHUZZ out there to help!
This sounds like a great cause! Thanks so much for sharing, especially since I’ve never heard of this organization before. I’ll definitely be going to read more about it!
Hannah, this is a great organization working for an even greater cause!
I love that they are doing this! I spent some time in a third world country and one day as I was walking back from the market a little girl begged me for my shoes. I couldn’t give them to her because my feet weren’t use to the rough terrain and I couldn’t speak her language well enough to tell her to wait while I got her some shoes. It was a very sad day. I am always happy to hear that others are helping provide shoes for those in need.
Wow, that must have been a heartbreaking situation Brittany. 🙁
What a great cause! I had no idea about this company! This is great information. I will definitely check them out!
It truly is!
Such a great cause! It’s crazy how much we take the simple things for granted when there are people in the world who would be lucky to have what we have!
I completely agree with you Allison. SHUZZ is awesome 🙂