We are excited to announce that TOMS Shoes has chosen Heart for Africa to be a Giving Partner in Swaziland, Africa, to give away TOMS Shoes to orphans and vulnerable children in rural communities.

TOMS Shoes “One for One^TM” program gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair of shoes that is purchased. This partnership is a long-term endeavor with the plan to ship a new container every six months as needed. The TOMS Shoes program is designed so children wear their new shoes knowing another pair will be coming when they outgrow or wear out their first pair.

Swaziland has the highest HIV/AIDS rate in the world. The virus has ravaged the adult and young adult population of the tiny kingdom (about the size of New Jersey) reducing the population from 1.1 million in 2005 to an estimated 950,000 in 2010.  More significantly, the government estimates that there are more than 500,000 orphaned or vulnerable children in the country. The TOMS Shoes model fits perfectly with Heart for Africa’s plans to support these vulnerable children by helping them with some of the basic necessities of life – food, water, clothing and shoes.  The container of TOMS Shoes arrived at Project Canaan on January 4th  and distribution will begin immediately.  All Heart for Africa volunteers serving in Swaziland in 2012 will be a part of TOMS Shoes distribution.

“We are thrilled to be a TOMS Shoes partner and look forward to distributing shoes to needy children for years to come,” said Ian Maxwell, President of Heart for Africa.

“My wife and children have purchased many pairs of TOMS and it is exciting to know that the One for One campaign will help the children whom we serve in Swaziland.   We are thankful for the entire TOMS Shoes team and wish them much success!”

For more information on Heart for Africa and its 2012 service trips, please visit www.heartforafrica.org.