Crocs, Inc. (NASDAQ: CROX), a global leader in innovative casual footwear, marks a significant milestone – the 5th anniversary of its impactful corporate social responsibility initiative, the Crocs Cares Program. Launched in 2007, this program embodies Crocs’ commitment to making a difference by focusing on a simple yet profound mission: to provide happy and healthy feet to children and families around the globe.
Since its inception, the Crocs Cares program has achieved remarkable reach, donating over three million pairs of shoes to communities in need across more than 40 countries. This incredible figure translates to roughly one pair of shoes donated every minute, highlighting the continuous and extensive impact of the program.
“Giving back is deeply embedded in the Crocs culture, and it’s an aspect we hold in high regard as a company,” stated John McCarvel, Crocs President and CEO. “We take immense pride in the positive impact we’ve had through the Crocs Cares program over the past five years. However, we also understand that there’s still much work to be done. We are dedicated to expanding our efforts in the years ahead to continue supporting those who need it most.”
To effectively distribute aid and ensure the shoes reach those who need them, Crocs collaborates with a network of esteemed global non-profit organizations. These key partners include Feed The Children, UNICEF, Brothers Brother Foundation, World Emergency Relief, and Global Aid Network. These partnerships are crucial for logistics, helping to ship and distribute shoes to vulnerable populations both internationally and within the United States. Furthermore, Crocs actively works with local organizations worldwide to pinpoint and manage shoe donations at a community level. Crocs™ shoes are often considered ideal for individuals in developing regions and disaster-stricken areas because of their practical features: they are lightweight, water-resistant, and offer essential protection from harsh environmental elements.
Tony Sellars, spokesperson for Feed The Children, emphasized the value of this collaboration: “Crocs has been an invaluable partner to Feed The Children for many years, and the impact of their donations on children’s lives is truly immeasurable. The shoes they provide globally are essential in protecting feet from infections and diseases that can hinder children’s access to vital nutrients. Within the U.S., Crocs shoe donations empower parents to provide a basic necessity for their children, which they might otherwise struggle to afford.”
One of the notable Crocs Cares program initiatives was a holiday donation drive in partnership with Feed The Children. This program encouraged consumers to participate in giving back during the holiday season. Crocs Cares committed to donating a pair of shoes for every donation made to Feed The Children at Crocs retail locations and online. This initiative aimed to donate up to 10,000 pairs of shoes to children and families in need, demonstrating the power of collective giving during the festive season.
Beyond the holiday campaign, Crocs Cares program has consistently responded to global crises and community needs through various initiatives:
- Disaster Relief: In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Crocs Cares, in collaboration with Feed The Children, donated essential supplies and shoes to families in New York and New Jersey who were affected by the devastating storm.
- Empowering Women: Through the “100 Women, 100 Shoes Challenge,” a partnership with O, The Oprah Magazine, Crocs donated shoes to women across the U.S., enabling them to make a positive impact in their local communities.
- Tornado Support: When tornadoes struck Joplin, MO, and Alabama, Crocs Cares was quick to respond, donating shoes to families who had lost everything in these natural disasters.
- Earthquake and Tsunami Relief: Following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Crocs Cares extended support by donating shoes to families in need, providing comfort and practical aid during a time of immense hardship.
The Crocs Cares program exemplifies Crocs, Inc.’s deep-rooted commitment to social responsibility and its dedication to improving lives worldwide. By focusing on providing footwear, a basic necessity, to those in need, Crocs is making a tangible difference, one pair of shoes at a time. To learn more about the ongoing efforts and global impact of the Crocs Cares program, please visit www.crocscares.com and explore their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/crocscares.
About Crocs, Inc.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2012, Crocs, Inc. is a world leader in innovative casual footwear for men, women, and children. Crocs offers multiple distinct shoe collections with over 300 four-season footwear styles. Every pair of Crocs™ shoes features Croslite™ material, a proprietary, revolutionary technology that provides the soft, comfortable, lightweight, non-marking, and odor-resistant qualities that Crocs enthusiasts appreciate. From the iconic clog to contemporary sneakers, sandals, boots, and heels, Crocs delivers “Crocs Comfort Inside” every pair. Since its founding in 2002, Crocs has sold over 200 million pairs of shoes in more than 90 countries worldwide, achieving $1 billion in annual sales in 2011.
Stay connected with Crocs through their social channels: www.crocs.com, www.facebook.com/crocs, www.twitter.com/crocs, www.pinterest.com/crocsshoes.
About Feed The Children
Established in 1979, Feed The Children is dedicated to providing hope and resources for individuals lacking life’s essentials. Accredited by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Feed The Children is among the largest U.S.-based charities, providing over 350,000 children globally with a hot, nourishing meal daily. Within the U.S., Feed The Children impacts the lives of nearly 10 million people annually through food and supplies distributed via over 1200 local partner agencies. For further details, please visit www.feedthechildren.org.
Contacts
Crocs, Inc.
Patrick Rich, 303-848-7408
[email protected]
