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Skechers to Donate $1 Million to Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts

Aug 21, 2021 11:01AM ● By Mb News Staff

Earthquake relief work in Haiti. Photo via CORE.

Manhattan Beach-based Skechers is supporting Haiti earthquake relief efforts with a $1 million donation to be given to three charitable organizations: CORE, Hope For Haiti, and World Central Kitchen.

Since the earthquake on the morning of Saturday, August 14, more than 2,100 people have died with countless others critically injured. According to UNICEF, more than 84,000 homes were damaged or destroyed and over a half million children have been left without necessary food, shelter or clean water.

“As soon as we heard about the devastation on Saturday, it was clear that Skechers needed to
step up and help the people of Haiti,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers, in a statement. “We’re donating a combined $1 million to three organizations that are making an immediate difference today—and two of which have been providing critical aid in Haiti for many years. This is just a kickoff. We are expecting to raise significant additional funds through the Million Dollar Challenge for Haiti—one that will encourage our ambassadors, partners and employees to donate with us as the need is tremendous. We are so proud of our associates and affiliates around the globe. We know that our teams and partners will come through for the people of Haiti whose lives have been upturned. Skechers is a culture of caring and making a difference is paramount to who we are.”

CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) was co-founded by actor and activist Sean Penn in
response to the 2010 Haitian earthquake disaster. The organization has continued its work in Haiti and responds globally when crisis strikes where vulnerable communities suffer most.

“We are extremely grateful for this support as funding on the ground is urgently needed,” said
Ann Lee, CEO and co-founder of CORE. “The devastation throughout the region is tremendous
and there are countless lives that hang in the balance. These resources support our teams that
have been on the ground since day one, our mobile medical units, shelter kits, and heavy
equipment, clearing access into affected communities for life-saving operations to help those
most impacted by the crisis. Our priority is to assist the Haitian government and local organizations by supporting the immediate needs of the Haitian people while developing a long-
term recovery plan.”

Hope For Haiti's ongoing mission is to provide resources to help communities thrive while
improving the quality of life for Haitian people, particularly children. The organization works
with communities in rural areas in support of education, healthcare, infrastructure, access to
clean water, and economic activity.

“Our team is incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Skechers Foundation to launch the
Skechers Economy Fund. This contribution will support direct economic relief as a part of our
emergency response and recovery plan, specifically providing 1,000 micro grants, 20 loans,
financial literacy classes, and digital currency education to school teachers and micro-, small-,
and medium-sized businesses with the support of blockchain-enabled cash transfers,” said Skyler Badenoch, Hope for Haiti's CEO.

World Central Kitchen was founded by chef José Andrés to use the power of food to nourish
communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. The organization also
helps create food resilience and skill training to build opportunities within the community while
feeding those who are hungry.

Skechers has just begun the Million Dollar Challenge for Haiti with outreach through the
Skechers Foundation and the creation of the Skechers Haiti Relief Fund. The first donations and
commitments have come in from some company employees, ambassadors (including Howie
Long, Meb Keflezighi, Brooke Burke and Jon Gruden) and licensees (including United Legwear
and Apparel Company, Fossil Group, ONSKINERY GmbH and Floriey Industries). These and
future donations will be in addition to the $1 million from Skechers and will also go to CORE,
Hope for Haiti and World Central Kitchen.

Skechers designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. Its collections are available in the United
States and over 170 countries and territories via department and specialty stores, and direct to
consumers through 4,057 company- and third-party-owned retail stores and e-commerce
websites. Skechers manages its international business through a network of global
distributors, joint venture partners in Asia, Israel and Mexico, and wholly-owned subsidiaries in
Canada, Japan, India, Europe and Latin America.

The Skechers Foundation was established to provide families around the world with the
necessities and skills to succeed in life. In addition to organizing the Skechers Pier to Pier
Friendship Walk, the Skechers Foundation funds tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
that provide education and job training, shoes, clothing, fitness and nutrition guidance to
communities in need.

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