Red Wing Shoe Company Donates 26,500 Boots to Help Victims of Peru Earthquake

Soles4Souls(TM) Inc., the international footwear charity that provides free footwear to people in third-world countries and disaster areas, announced today that it has received a donation of 26,500 pairs of shoes from Red Wing Shoe Company. The donation is specifically marked to assist victims of last week's massive 7.9-magnitude earthquake that killed more than 540 people and destroyed 85% of homes in the Pisco region of Peru.

"We saw the news pictures and listened to the reports. These folks lost what little they did have, so when we were approached by Soles4Souls it didn't take long to decide to help," said Tim Hutchson, VP General Manager, Red Wing Shoes. "The footwear we donated, while very basic in nature, should help provide some protection from the harsh conditions as they go about rebuilding their lives. Perhaps our actions will inspire more companies to help," he said.

"We asked our partners in the footwear industry to help us respond to recent disasters, and Red Wing has stepped up to the plate in a huge way," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "This is an amazing gesture by Red Wing to send their shoes to people who desperately need footwear. This gift will make an enormous difference in the lives of thousands of people," Elsey said.

The six containers of boots are en route to Peru. Soles4Souls is working with several relief groups, as well as Peruvian government agencies, to help distribute the footwear.

About Red Wing Shoe Company

Based in Red Wing, Minnesota, the Red Wing Shoe Company is a leading manufacturer and retailer of comfortable work, casual and outdoor footwear, with distribution in more than 100 countries around the globe. Brands include Red Wing Shoes, WORX(TM), Vasque, Irish Setter, and Carhartt Footwear.

About Soles4Souls

Nashville-based Soles4Souls facilitates the donations of footwear, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Soles4Souls has donated more than 2.6 million pairs of shoes since its inception (one pair of shoes every 28 seconds). The charity will be featured in the coming days on "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams." Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate both new and "gently worn" footwear. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. For more information about Soles4Souls, please call (866) 521-SHOE, or visit www.giveshoes.org or www.soles4souls.org .

For more information please contact: Chris Carmichael 503-319-1726 Email Contact Kim Dettwiller Soles4Souls 615-330-5656 Email Contact Alexis Laken 646-964-5566 Email Contact