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In Shoestrings, author Buddy Teaster, along with the voices of Soles4Souls partners and beneficiaries on the ground, walks you through the evolution of Soles4Souls from what started as simply a disaster relief organization is today a recognized pioneer of the not-for-profit social enterprise model. Today, Soles4Souls's vision-attacking poverty in the very communities it grips most tightly-is at work around the globe.
List of contents
ABOUT THE AUTHOR FOREWORD PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS INTRODUCTION SHOESTRINGS? PART I : BEGINNINGS TSUNAMI POVERTY: THE DAILY DISASTER PART II: MICRO-ENTERPRISE IN FOUR COUNTRIES “WE ARE THE FORGOTTEN”— HONDURAS A REVOLUTION CONTINUES—HAITI “AN INVISIBLE LAND”—TRANSNISTRIA GOING TO AFRICA IN A BIG WAY—SIERRA LEONE PART III: THE PEOPLE AND VALUES THAT ENABLE OUR WORK OUR SOUL: COLLECTORS OUR HEART: INDUSTRY PARTNERS A NEW TWIST ON T.E.A.M.
About the author
BUDDY TEASTER is the President & CEO of Soles4Souls, a global nonprofit that creates opportunities for people through shoes and clothes. A passionate leader and advocate, Buddy has guided the organization to distribute over 103 million pairs of shoes and garments across 137 countries, supporting communities through both immediate aid and sustainable micro-enterprise programs.
A dynamic thought leader, speaker, and author, Buddy has been recognized as a YPO Global Impact Award Finalist and included in Footwear News' 2019 Power List. His innovative approach has transformed Soles4Souls into a movement that blends philanthropy with sustainable development.
Buddy and his wife, Becca, have been married since 1992 and have two delightful daughters.
Summary
On the most basic level, Soles4Souls distributes donated shoes and clothing to people in need, at no cost. This ongoing work is a key component of their overall mission: Wearing Out Poverty. But it’s just one facet of the work they undertake to serve those in need, create opportunity, and protect the environment. By redirecting shoes and clothing from landfills to those who need them, they also champion sustainability.
With over thirty million pairs of shoes distributed thus far, plus literally tons of clothing, author Buddy Teaster outlines Soles4Souls' evolution in Shoestrings, reflecting the power of their work and the significant change they’ve been able to enact. Teaster delves into inspiring stories of how the organization has not only provided essential items to individuals but has also fostered entrepreneurship and economic independence in impoverished communities through micro-business programs.
Begun in response to the Indian Ocean tsunami that struck multiple countries in 2004, Soles4Souls was initially known as a disaster-relief organization. The story of their transformation to the deeper mission they pursue today as a registered non-profit is one of humanitarian concern, human frailty and error, and humankind’s ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable circumstances. Through innovative strategies and partnerships, Soles4Souls continues to fight poverty and inspire hope worldwide.
