Skechers donates to Beirut explosion victims

Global footwear brand Skechers is helping thousands of children impacted by the Beirut port explosion with more than 52,000 pairs of BOBS from Skechers donation clogs set to be distributed by Lebanese-based non-profit organization Ahla Fawda, along with help from Soles4Souls and additional coordination from Cisco. With this latest donation, Skechers has now given more than 16 million new pairs of shoes to children in need around the world.

“At more than 16 million pairs donated, the BOBS from Skechers movement has provided needed footwear to children worldwide for nearly a decade,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “Working with our partners to assist in a devastated city like Beirut is key to our global mission and it’s why we were also on the ground to help those impacted by recent natural disasters in the United States. When families lose everything—especially in the midst of a pandemic—it’s critical that we help those struggling during these challenging times.”

“Lebanon is in the worst state of depression after the series of events this year. Thousands of people became homeless and traumatized, while the whole nation is in dire need of help,” said Imane Assaf, founder of Ahla Fawda. “The BOBS from Skechers program is a much-needed gesture and a message of hope. Thank you to the Skechers world family for this kind donation of shoes. Ahla Fawda is honoured for the trust and partnership with Skechers and Soles4souls on this project.”

“Giving is the great act of grace, and our team is very proud to help more than 52,000 Lebanese people during this economic crisis after the Beirut port explosion on the 4th of August,” said Dr. Carlo Maksoud, managing partner of Skechers Lebanon. “This generous donation by the BOBS from Skechers program in Lebanon is the brand’s largest relief effort with Soles4Souls in the Middle East to date.”

Skechers has partnered with Soles4Souls for many years to supply goods to children in hard-to-reach areas and improve their day-to-day lives while instilling hope. It’s among the numerous agencies the Company has partnered with to support affected communities in Europe, Canada, and Central America. This year, donations have included footwear and other items to victims of wildfires and hurricanes in the United States, as well as distributions to economically impacted communities in Greater Toronto, Chicago and New York City.

Through its BOBS from Skechers program and corporate efforts, the Company has given shoes, goods and monetary relief to victims in numerous natural disasters. The BOBS from Skechers program donates new shoes to children in need in the United States and more than 60 countries worldwide through education foundations, homeless shelters, disaster relief, and 501(c)(3) organizations.

Over the last week the team visited A Smile in a Box, From Teens to Youth, Children’s Cancer Center, Musawat Migrant Center and Nusaned and have lined up more NGOs for the coming weeks, to ensure that Skechers shoes reach the maximum number of people.

Even in these challenging times, Lebanon remains a promising market for the Company in the Middle East. Skechers entered Lebanon in 2013 and the first Skechers store opened in Beirut that same year, with three stores now operating throughout the country. Skechers footwear is also available at leading retail stores across the region.