Hello hello!

Sometimes, when you’re surfing the Internets and clicking on your usual blogs and favorite shopping sites (ahem, Seven Hopes), you come across something out of the ordinary. Something that ignites a spark of passion inside that you just want to share with the world.

So we thought it would be fun to begin a new series on this blog. A series that highlights organizations dedicated to improving the lives of our brothers and sisters across the globe. These companies will align with our mission of making the world a better place for all people.

A couple of months ago, while I was scrolling through my endless Twitter feed, I stumbled on a tweet from a company called Sole Hope. Sole Hope is dedicated to putting closed-toe shoes on African children, one pair at a time. The organization was born out of an American family’s desire to help improve the lives of children and adults in Uganda. Now based in Uganda, Sole Hope is transforming the face of hope on African soil.

Here in the US, it’s easy to take shoes for granted. And even if we go barefoot, we have little to concern us besides maybe some stray broken glass or a hot sidewalk. But for children in Uganda, going barefoot can lead to devastating consequences from an enormous problem known as jiggers.

The word “jiggers” may sound like the word “chiggers,” but the two are entirely different. Jiggers are small sand fleas that enter the feet and burrow deep inside. If left untreated, they can lead to infections, crippling pain and even amputations.

Here’s how Sole Hope helps (from their website):

Core Purpose

To effectively put in place preventive methods to combat diseases that enter through the feet and to create a positive physical and spiritual difference in the lives of individuals in impoverished communities.

Sole Hope not only removes jiggers and provides medical care for those affected; they sew close-toed shoes and distribute them to combat future problems caused by going barefoot. They also teach men and women in the region how to make the shoes, which generates jobs and provides lasting change in the fight against foot-related diseases.

There are a variety of ways we can help too, including hosting shoe-cutting parties (did someone say party?!), donating money, and becoming ambassadors. You can even travel to Uganda with Sole Hope! Read more about how to get involved, and watch the YouTube video that inspired the mission and vision of Sole Hope, at www.solehope.com.

Check back on the blog often to learn about more amazing organizations like Sole Hope! Next time, we’ll include information on how to travel with some of these groups—to transform and be transformed.

XO,

Casey