It’s been a challenging year – but as a small, nimble organisation we’re grateful we can move fast to get things done.
Over the years, through Soul of Africa project (which now has been evolved into LBF), we have been working with a number of grassroots organisations doing amazing work in and around Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia Skate is a community of skateboarders coming together to empower youth and promote access to skateboarding. Thus far they have built two free-access skate parks (the only ones in the country) as well as supplying recycled and upcycles skateboards. Ethiopia Skate is excited to announce that they will be hosting the Ethiopia National Championship of skateboarding in 2021 in anticipation of the (hopefully) upcoming Olympic Games.
Meanwhile Brave Hearts Ethiopia works with orphaned and vulnerable children with a dedicated, holistic care model which ensures not only they get the education and care they need, but that their environment is also set up for them to thrive.
Given the severe impact of Covid-19 around the world, we have recently released new funds to help both of these organisations ensure they can continue with their valuable work through the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Vivobarefoot has also launched its second model of footwear handcrafted in our production plant in Addis Ababa. We’ve called it Addis in tribute to this city - and all it potential. It’s a stylish, laidback lace-up model with our signature puncture-resistant, super flexible sole that features the imprint of the oldest human footprint ever found.
At Pittards production line, shoemakers are paid four times the local average, with high standards of environmental and human care. The wild hide leathers used are a by-product of the local food industry, sourced from local herders with outdoor-reared, cage-free cattle.
These barefoot footwears are a purchase with purpose – profits from their sale get ploughed back into impact projects to build a regenerative future for all.
Read more about Livebarefoot here.
