NASHVILLE, TN — Soles4Souls, a nonprofit focused on creating sustainable jobs and providing economic relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing, has received a significant boost from Bank of America. The financial institution granted $150,000 to Soles4Souls to expand its 4Opportunity program to the Dominican Republic.
Buddy Teaster, President and CEO of Soles4Souls, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “For more than a decade, we have seen how our 4Opportunity program can change lives around the world.” This initiative aims to empower individuals in low-income countries to start small businesses by providing them with high-quality, affordable shoes and apparel.
Alex Liftman, Global Environmental Executive at Bank of America, highlighted the innovative approach of Soles4Souls in addressing poverty, gender inequality, and waste. Liftman stated, “Soles4Souls has developed an innovative approach to simultaneously nurture small businesses and address challenges of poverty, gender inequality and waste, and we’re proud that our support will enable the organization to impact even more communities.”
The 4Opportunity program not only creates economic opportunities but also contributes to environmental sustainability by diverting unwanted shoes from landfills. Since 2006, Soles4Souls has diverted 91 million pounds of shoes and clothing from landfills in various countries.
Research indicates that women in low-income countries reinvest their earnings into essential needs, such as education and healthcare, contributing to long-term poverty alleviation. Entrepreneurs in the 4Opportunity program have reported significant income increases, lifting them well above the international poverty line.
In addition to the financial grant, Bank of America employees will participate in a shoe drive to further support the 4Opportunity program. The partnership between Bank of America and Soles4Souls dates back to 2017, with the financial institution actively engaging in sustainable initiatives through its My Environment employee network.
To learn more about Soles4Souls and the 4Opportunity program, visit Soles4Souls.org.