Skechers is supporting Haiti earthquake relief efforts with a $1 million donation to be given to three charitable organizations–CORE, 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 Aug. 14 natural disaster, which killed 2,100 people and left scores others critically injured. According to UNICEF, more than 84,000 homes were damaged or destroyed and over a half million children have been left without necessary food, shelter or clean water.
“As soon as we heard about the devastation on Saturday, it was clear that Skechers needed to step up and help the people of Haiti,” Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers, said. “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. This is just a kickoff. We are expecting to raise significant additional funds through the Million Dollar Challenge for Haiti that will encourage our ambassadors, partners and employees to donate with us as the need is tremendous.”
CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), co-founded by actor and activist Sean Penn in response to the 2010 Haitian earthquake disaster, has continued its work in Haiti and responds globally when crisis strikes where vulnerable communities suffer most.
“We are extremely grateful for this support as funding on the ground is urgently needed,” Ann Lee, CEO and co-founder of CORE, said. “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.”
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Hope For Haiti’s ongoing mission is to provide resources to help communities thrive while improving the quality of life for Haitian people, particularly children. The organization works with communities in rural areas in support of education, healthcare, infrastructure, access to clean water, and economic activity.
World Central Kitchen was founded by chef José Andrés to use 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.
Skechers has just begun the Million Dollar Challenge for Haiti with outreach through the Skechers Foundation and the creation of the Skechers Haiti Relief Fund. The first donations and commitments have come in from some company employees, 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.