Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) demonstrated its commitment to community welfare this holiday season by donating brand-new shoes to children across the nation. This heartwarming initiative, named “Season to Shine,” is a key part of their ongoing corporate social responsibility program, Driving Your Future. Partnering with Shoes That Fit, a reputable non-profit, Mercedes-Benz aimed to provide kids with essential athletic shoes, fostering dignity and joy in their school attendance. The campaign was further amplified by the involvement of brand ambassador and philanthropist, Ludacris, and his foundation, The Ludacris Foundation, who personally assisted in delivering donated Mercedes Benz Shoes to students in Atlanta.
Driving Your Future, MBUSA’s national CSR program, focuses on empowering the next generation through crucial pillars: educational programs, career readiness, and child safety. The “Season to Shine” program perfectly embodies this mission.
“We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Shoes That Fit and contribute mercedes benz shoes to students nationwide,” stated Dimitris Psillakis, president and CEO of MBUSA. “This initiative is a concrete action to ensure children feel confident and prepared when they arrive at school, ready to learn, engage, and thrive. Our dedication to supporting the next generation is unwavering, and we are committed to making a meaningful impact in our local communities and beyond.”
This year’s “Season to Shine” program saw MBUSA donate an impressive 1,270 pairs of new shoes to every student at their partner schools in Atlanta: Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy and Leonora P. Miles Intermediate Elementary. Ludacris, alongside enthusiastic MBUSA employee volunteers, played a vital role in distributing the mercedes benz shoes, spreading holiday cheer and excitement among the students.
“Supporting the children in Atlanta, my hometown, is a cause very close to my heart. It was an honor to join my friends at Mercedes-Benz for their Season to Shine event,” shared Ludacris. “I believe these new shoes are more than just footwear; they are a stepping stone for these students to pursue their dreams and unlock their full potential. I am truly grateful to be a part of this impactful program providing mercedes benz shoes.”
Extending the reach of the program, MBUSA encouraged its employees across the country to participate in the “Season to Shine” initiative by donating new shoes directly to Shoes That Fit. These contributions are being distributed to children in local communities throughout the nation, amplifying the positive impact of the mercedes benz shoes donation.
“Starting the holiday season with a brand-new pair of shoes will significantly boost our students’ confidence as they continue through the school year,” commented Thalise Perry, Principal at Miles Intermediate Elementary School. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Mercedes-Benz for making this heartwarming event possible and bringing holiday joy to our school with these mercedes benz shoes.”
Since its inception in 1992, Shoes That Fit has made a remarkable difference by providing over 2 million pairs of brand-new shoes and other essential items to children across the United States. Their long-term efforts have yielded impressive results, with 62% of schools reporting improved student behavior and 87% reporting a boost in students’ self-esteem directly linked to receiving new shoes.
“Shoes hold immense significance for children. For many families facing financial hardship, choosing between basic necessities like rent, food, and shoes is a harsh reality. This often leaves children wearing ill-fitting, embarrassing, or painful shoes, hindering their participation in physical activities and sometimes leading to school absenteeism. New shoes create a fundamental and lasting positive impact,” explained Amy Fass, CEO and Executive Director of Shoes That Fit. “We are profoundly thankful to Mercedes-Benz for addressing this basic need and making a lasting difference in the lives of so many children by donating these 1,270 pairs of mercedes benz shoes!”
For further details on Mercedes-Benz USA’s community support initiatives, please visit: https://www.mbusa.com/en/about-us#corporate-social-responsibility. To learn more about Shoes That Fit and their impactful work, please visit www.shoesthatfit.org.
About Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is the distribution, marketing, and customer service arm for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA boasts the most diverse luxury vehicle lineup, featuring 15 model lines ranging from the versatile GLA SUV to the prestigious flagship S-Class and the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. MBUSA also oversees Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. Further information about MBUSA and its diverse product range can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
