Shoes say a lot about a person. Their affinity for color. Their sensibility. The degree to which they can boast excellent balance and sturdy ankles. Sometimes, their occupation. Often, their need to hustle.
And so it was both fitting and fun that the challenge OneWorld Health (OWH) posed to its CSR partner, Beemok Hospitality, was a shoe design. This friendly competition, named “Custom Kicks for a Cause,” called on members of the Beemok team to draw up conceptualizations for sneakers that would ultimately be worn by six OWH health clinic employees in Uganda. These amazing helping professionals work tirelessly at the clinic, serving thousands of patients each year. Clearly, they need footwear made for hustle – and stamina, strength, and comfort. But the leadership at OWH felt it was an opportunity to recognize more than just the physical virtues.
The teams were encouraged to create an original style that embodied the ideals of both Beemok and OWH, and nod to the global health mission of OWH. Earlier this year, the two organizations engaged in strategic planning to examine the similar spirit of their respective missions – the common factor was clearly an aim to bring people together to live a fulfilling life. Charleston-based OneWorld Health engages – on an international level but conspicuously on the ground - with communities in Africa and Central America to bring “permanent, sustainable” health facilities, resources, and care to an historically underserved population. And Beemok Hospitality Collection is the firm behind such beloved Lowcountry landmarks as Charleston Place, the Riviera Theater, Charleston One Stadium, and the stirringly-anticipated waterfront accommodations newcomer, The Cooper.
At the close of the campaign, the design that was chosen featured an ombre print that represented the shared values of the two organizations, as well as extra laces to symbolize adaptability toward “hospitality and healthcare that endures.” The shoes were produced with great care and presented to the six employees during a volunteer trip in July, and a video capturing the big reveal, lace-up, and collective happy dance commemorated the event. A close-up on the backs of the sneakers reveals the coolest detail: each one is personalized with the employee’s name.
Social impact events like these showcase the soul and creativity of our NGO and corporate partners. Our role at KLH Group – to facilitate these alliances and the critical humanitarian work they do – is nothing short of an honor, a dream. It is a feeling that is almost overwhelming, and certainly shared. In an expression of thanks for this collaboration, OWH executive director Michael O’Neal stated, “The pure joy and gratitude from the staff members who received the shoes is clear, and your thoughtfully designed shoes have instilled a sense of pride and motivation in their work as they help provide healthcare to people who desperately need it.”
Color schemes and fabrication aside, these will most certainly be big sneakers to fill.