The Chicago-based relief organisation Bright Hope International has appealed to companies and individuals to continue donating footwear to the tsunami victims in Asia in an attempt to raise the current collection from 55,000 to 100,000 pairs of shoes.

Bright Hope is working with the Indonesian embassy to facilitate the shipping of shoes and other needed supplies to the hardest hit regions in Indonesia.  UN officials in the Banda Aceh province report that many children and adults do not have footwear of any kind, resulting in cuts, abrasions and infections.

"There are many companies which have excess footwear inventory, and this is a perfect opportunity for them to assist fellow human beings," said Craig Dyer, president of Bright Hope. "It's also beneficial to their company because they can receive a tax-deductible receipt from us for the extra inventory." Individuals are also encouraged to make collections. "Americans purchase over one billion pairs of shoes annually.  We have the heart and capacity to make a difference," he added.

Donations and collections can be organised through Craig Dyer at Bright

Hope International at 847-519-0012 or Wayne Elsey at 615-406-9738.

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