Soles4Souls President And CEO Buddy Teaster Honored At The 2018 NRF Foundation Gala

Soles4Souls President and CEO Buddy Teaster was honored this past weekend at the National Retail Federation Foundation Gala in New York City, where he was named to the 2018 List of People Shaping Retail's Future. Since its founding in 2006, Soles4Souls has worked with brands and retailers all over the world to disrupt the cycle of global poverty.

The Gala, now in its fourth year, honors industry leaders in multiple categories and awards scholarships to students working to become the next generation of retail executives. Teaster was recognized in the category of "givers," who seek to make retail shine as a force for good. A Nashville based non-profit social enterprise, Soles4Souls creates sustainable jobs and provides relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world.

The organization's micro-enterprise programs give a second life to used shoes and clothes, otherwise destined for landfills, and create jobs for small business owners who make a living re-selling the items. The resulting revenue funds the free distribution of new shoes and clothing all over the world to those in need or in times of disaster.

Soles4Souls has distributed more than 30 million pairs of new and used shoes in 127 countries and all 50 states since its founding.

"It's an honor to be recognized by the NRF," said Teaster. "In addition to our non-profit, community and corporate partners all over the world, the work that we do at Soles4Souls would not be possible without the incredible support from the retail industry."

For a full list of honorees, visit the NRF Foundation Gala's official website.

Soles4Souls disrupts the cycle of poverty by creating sustainable jobs and providing relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the organization repurposes product to supply its micro-enterprise, disaster relief and direct assistance programs. Since 2006, it has distributed more than 30 million pairs of shoes in 127 countries. A nonprofit social enterprise, Soles4Souls earns more than half of its income and commits 100% of donations to programs. Visit soles4souls.org for more information.

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