Skechers steps up for Ukraine, stops shipments to Russia
by Kevin Cody
Skechers is suspending shipment of its shoes and other products to Russia, and is donating $250,000 in humanitarian aid to organizations in Ukraine and Poland, company president Michael Greenberg announced in a recent press release.
Skechers is also matching up to $250,000 in employee and public donations to the Ukrainian people, Greenberg said.
The Manhattan Beach company is known for supporting both local and international charities.
Last October, at the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce Best of Manhattan Awards dinner, Skechers received the inaugural Chamber Hall of Fame Award.
“Don’t give because it feels good. Give until it hurts. It will come back to you tenfold,” Greenberg told the chamber gathering.
Skechers has already made a donation to Tikva Children’s Home, with which it has a longstanding relationship. Tikva Children’s Home is in the southwest seaport city of Odessa, Ukraine’s third largest city.
“We have deep concern for Ukraine and its citizens, who are doing all they can to defend their country, and survive while under siege. And while our team in Ukraine is currently safe, this has been a heartbreaking time for them, their families and neighbors,” Greenberg said.
Skechers is working through CORE, a crisis response nonprofit that coordinates with other nonprofits. Following the Aug. 14, 2021 Haitian earthquake, Skechers donated $1 million to CORE and other nonprofits responding to the quake. CORE was co-founded by actor Sean Penn in response to the 2010 Haitian earthquake.
CORE has a team in Poland, providing hygiene items, thermal blankets, and other critical resources to Ukrainian refugees who have crossed the border.
Donations to Skechers Ukrainian matching fund may be submitted to Skechers CORE Relief for Ukraine. ER