US shoemakers respond to recent hurricanes

Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas and Louisiana, and was soon after followed by Irma’s landfall on Florida.

Soon after the devastation that Hurricane Harvey wrought on Texas, footwear producer Wolverine Worldwide (WWW) announced that it would donate over $2.6 million to relief efforts through financial, footwear and apparel donations.

In an effort to speed relief and recovery to the impacted regions, the Michigan-based company partnered with the American Red Cross, the Two Ten Footwear Foundation and the United Way, to contribute to efforts in the affected region. As part of this donation, WWW sent more than 35,000 shoes and items of apparel – both for those affected by the storm and for the ‘first responders’ who gave much-needed assistance.

"We are saddened to see the devastating effects from Hurricane Harvey," said Blake Krueger, WWW chairman, chief executive officer and president. "We are working with our partners in the area to ensure our donations get to where they are needed most and we're committed to supporting the community during this time. We are hopeful these donations will provide meaningful support for the community over the coming weeks and months."

The company has also set up a fundraising campaign to encourage its employees to individually support relief efforts.

Assistance is also being given specifically for shoemakers affected by the recent storms. Two Ten Footwear Foundation – the charitable arm of the US footwear industry – provided emergency relief to footwear employees in the region. This programme has reportedly been assisted by financial support from shoe companies across the country, including Asics, Caleres, Crocs, Deer Stags, DSW, Foot Locker, Micro-Pak and Vibram. In some cases, these companies have set up employee donation-matching schemes. In addition, a number of other companies have donated shoes, socks and clothing.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 2 of the October 2017 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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