Soles4Souls: Donate Shoes for a Better World, Creating a Positive Impact for Both People and the Planet

How hurricane Katrina sparked the creation of Soles4Souls

Hurricane Katrina, the deadliest and most devastating Atlantic hurricane of the 2005 season, caused unprecedented damage. In the wake of this natural disaster, Soles4Souls was founded in the United States as an act of compassion. Numerous natural disasters have left people in Central America homeless and living in poverty. Providing shoes and clothing is just one way Soles4Souls helps. As Masja explains, “And we do even more than that.”


Masja’s Role at Soles4Souls

Masja van de Pavoordt-Elshout is responsible for expanding Soles4Souls’ footprint in Europe and the UK. Her mission is to increase awareness of the organization and its efforts while securing donations of new and gently used shoes and clothing.
“I joined Soles4Souls in November 2022,” Masja shares. In the U.S., Soles4Souls employs 75 people dedicated to collecting and distributing shoes and clothing to those in need. “I was brought on board to grow this mission in Europe. There’s plenty of work to be done, but I say, ‘Let’s roll up our sleeves and get it done!’”




Key projects: 4RELIEF and 4OPPORTUNITY

Masja explains that Soles4Souls is committed to various projects, including 4RELIEF and 4OPPORTUNITY. 4RELIEF focuses on providing aid to countries such as Ukraine, Syria, and Turkey that are affected by war or major natural disasters. The 4OPPORTUNITY project supports people living in poverty in developing countries. In regions like Central America, Eastern Europe, and Africa, many women are responsible for their families but lack an income. Soles4Souls gives them the opportunity to purchase shoes at a small cost, which they can then resell in local markets. This enables them to put food on the table and provide for their families, offering them a path to a brighter future.
For Soles4Souls' partners, it’s essential to know where their donated items end up, which is why the organization ensures full transparency about what happens to the donations.


Donating shoes

“When consumers decide to part with shoes that are still in good condition, we welcome them warmly. These shoes can make a world of difference to someone in need,” says Masja.


Networking and raising awareness

Masja frequently attends events and trade shows to promote Soles4Souls. She connects with brand representatives, retailers, manufacturers, and even companies from unrelated industries intrigued by the mission.
“Some of these companies are eager to host donation boxes in their stores or offices. For example, shoes can now be dropped off at CAST in Nieuwegein, where two collection containers are available in the parking garage. Or better yet, bring them directly to our warehouse in Arnhem!”


Transparency and sustainability

Donating shoes is a simple but meaningful step toward sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
“Soles4Souls places a high value on transparency. We document where donations go, their impact on communities, and the economic benefits they provide. We also keep track of who donates and helps us support people in need. For donors who wish to see the impact firsthand, we even organize trips to the regions where their contributions are distributed.”
Through these efforts, Masja is steadily establishing a firm foundation for Soles4Souls in Europe—and she’s making significant progress.


Mandatory sustainability eeporting from 2025

Starting in 2025, many companies will be required to report on their sustainability policies and the lifecycle of the products they bring to market.
“This regulation aims to improve the quality and transparency of information on environmental and social impacts,” Masja explains. “Without such measures, we risk becoming a global dumping ground. We need to think critically about what and how much we produce and ensure more accountability for these processes.”


Are you curious about more information?
Visit the Soles4Souls website or reach out to Masja via the buttons below.
Masja will also be attending PREVIEW FOOTWEAR & ACCESSORIES on February 10 & 11, 2025.

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