Memphis shoe maker helps charities step up through fancy footwear

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Philanthropic shoe designer Edward Bogard is constantly in a state of creation.

Right now he’s working on something big.

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“We’re about to kick off the tenth year of SoGiv,” Bogard said.

“We just wanted to do something we haven’t done. That’s been the core of SoGiv. Each time out it’s something different. It’s giving our supporters something different to support.”

Bogard is the founder and CEO of SoGiv, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness for worthy causes through creative footwear design.

Since its founding in 2011 the company has adopted 20 causes.

Each of which receives 100 percent of the proceeds generated through each shoe sold.

“It’s not just giving a pair of shoes to someone in need,” Bogard said.

“It’s actually directly impacting the life of someone. So, it’s not just a shoe design. It’s more than a shoe. It’s shoes with change.”

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SoGiv has benefited groups like the Salvation Army and the Mid-South Food Bank, where shoe sales have provided meals for more than 13,000 families.

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of SoGiv, the company plans to partner with ten different organizations.

In January, the first awareness shoe will be in partnership with Restore Corps.

Restore Corps is a local nonprofit with a mission to eradicate human trafficking.

“The reality of human trafficking that it’s happening every day,” Restore Corps Executive Director Rachel Haaga said.

“There’s months that we get referrals every day, and it takes the whole community recognizing not only does it exist, but each person should have a part to play in fighting it and stopping it.”

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Inspired by the painting of local artist Amy Hutchinson, the shoe incorporates the Restore Corps logo and company colors.

Each pair costs $60 and will provide a night of respite and refuge for a trafficking survivor.

“I just want people to know this is more than a shoe,” Bogard said.

“It’s actually impacting a life.”

Shoes can be purchased on SoGiv.com and the Restore Corps website.

For organizations interested in partnering with SoGiv email Bogard at edward@sogiv.org.