By Kenton, Founder
It still seems unreal that just eighteen months ago this was a just a couple thousand pairs of shoes in my guest bedroom. Now you have helped us distribute over 75,000 pairs of The Shoe That Grows to kids in over 80 countries. Wow.
If there is one word that we would like to describe our team and attitude at Because International – we hope that word is “hustle”.
We won’t rest on our laurels or take the easy road. Our mission is practical compassion – small things that make a BIG difference. And we want to maximize every ounce of potential in The Shoe That Grows and our other projects. It is not about us; it is all about the kids we serve. So here is a sneak peek at our plans for 2017.
The Shoe That Grows Distribution. We will work together with our distribution partners to get as many shoes as possible to kids who are in desperate need of footwear. This is the core of our work, and we will find ways to do it better and more efficiently.
The Shoe That Grows Production. We will begin producing The Shoe That Grows in Ethiopia at a small local factory. We are also exploring ways to be able to produce our shoes in Haiti. It is essential to our work to not only get a great pair of shoes to kids – but also to use the production to bring jobs and increased economy to these areas where they live.
The Shoe That Grows Design. We will continue to listen to the kids in order to make our shoes the best they can possibly be. In 2017 we should be coming out with a closed-toe version of The Shoe That Grows. We are also beginning work on a toddler version (ages 2-4) and a cold-weather shoe (The Boot That Grows?).
Focus on Refugee Children. We launched our special commitment to refugee children with an exciting campaign with an organization called Carry the Future. There will be 4,000 pairs of shoes going to the kids they work with in Greece. We will remain committed to developing partnerships, gaining funds, and even organizing trips for our work with refugee children.
Bednet Buddy. Our second project is currently being tested in several African countries. This innovative bednet (mosquito net) should be ready to launch in mid-to-late 2017. Thank you for all of your support. We cannot do any of these things without you. And we wouldn’t want to. It is better to do things together.
Here’s to a great 2017 full of impact and meaning!
Here we go!
#BecauseInternational #PracticalCompassion #TheShoeThatGrows
