Clarks

What is Soul of Africa?

Soul of Africa is more than an initiative to raise funds for South African orphans; it also fosters sustainable development in a region stricken by AIDS and poverty. Established by Lance Clark, sixth generation of the family behind The Clarks Companies, the Soul of Africa initiative raises money to assist organizations that house, feed and educate AIDS orphans through the sale of moccasin shoes. These shoes are hand stitched by unemployed women from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, who are not only earning a living but also learning valuable new skills.

Following a visit to a South African orphanage in 2003, Clark decided he wanted to help with the plight of AIDS orphans. So, he designed a moccasin, named the Khulani, after the orphanage that inspired his initiative. .I cried when I first visited the orphanage,. said Clark. .The little kids clung to my legs. They had no blankets, no books, there was only enough for basic food. I wanted to see if I could help them to help themselves and not just depend on foreign charity.. Working with communities in the informal settlements around Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, where the AIDS infection is highest, Clark and a handful of leading South African business people in the footwear industry have since been sharing their shoemaking expertise to teach local villagers how to make this simple yet comfortable hand sewn product.

For every pair sold, nearly $10 goes toward the care and support of South African children orphaned due to AIDS. Additionally, each pair sold helps to provide employment for local villagers, many of whom are helping to care for family members also affected by the AIDS virus.

The sale of the moccasins has already raised over $900,000 that is being used to build a new orphanage for the AIDS orphans. Funds raised have also been used to build a clinic and day-care center to help extended families better care for their orphaned family members.

The Clarks Companies is proud to make a difference in the fight against AIDS. By purchasing these comfortable shoes, you are as well, helping in this important fight.