Today on CNN Newsroom
Shoes for Africa: "Changing the World Two Feet at a Time"
"Changing the world two feet at a time." That's the motto of The ASHE’ Foundation, which just shipped 10,000 pairs of shoes and more than two tons of medical supplies to Ghana.
Below, CNN Producer Annika Young explains why she went to Los Angeles to meet the people behind the massive shoe drive.
(Click Here for Photo Slideshow)
I have shoes, several pairs in fact. Tennis shoes, pumps, wedges, sandals, flip flops, even cowboy boots. I have shoes. I never imagined not having shoes. Admittedly, I never gave much thought to the fact that somebody, somewhere, doesn’t have one pair. Does that make me a bad person? Don’t misunderstand me. I ache over homelessness and poverty. I pray for the “big” things, but I never thought about shoes.
Dion Fearon did. She is the founder of The ASHE’ Foundation. ASHE’ is a Yoruba word that means ”the power to make things happen.” Fearon made something happen after receiving an e-mail bearing the image of feet clad with flattened two-liter soda bottles, fastened only with strips of fabric. It was that imagery that tugged at Fearon until the tugging became a pull and the pull a push to start a movement that became “Shoes for Africa.”
The ASHE’ Foundation’s mission is change the lives of millions of children in African nations who have been orphaned by HIV and AIDS. It was after hearing Fearon’s story and then meeting her in person, so bright-eyed with passion and purpose, that caused me to examine myself, head to toe.
Now I see shoes. I see what a new or gently worn pair of shoes can mean for a child who has never owned a pair. I see shoes like The ASHE’ Foundation sees shoes. I see the importance of “doing” something. You may never be the one to start a foundation or write a check, but the idea is to do “something.”
–Annika Young, CNN Writer/Producer
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To learn more about The ASHE’ Foundation and its upcoming mission to Ghana and it domestic effort “Shoes for L.A.” log on to www.theashefoundation.org.
The 30 Second Pitch: Renaissance man, skilled saleswoman
He's a renaissance man who knows a lot about medieval times.
In this week's 30 Second Pitch we're featuring Mike Stewart.
The married honor's graduate has written books, taught medieval history, managed a financial trust and worked on the board of a non-profit.
He also just happens to be blind.
If you have a job that can utilize his skills as a researcher, analyst, educator or manager e-mail him at:
stewart69@gmail.com
We're also featuring Lisa McGarr.
She most recently worked as a consultant for plastic surgery patients but was laid off.
Apparently in a sagging economy face lifts are the first thing to go on someone's 'to do' list.
If you have a job that can take advantage of her sales and marketing skills e-mail her at:
lisacamlac@yahoo.com
If you've lost your job and want to be part of the pitch please e-mail your resume and information about your situation to:
30secondpitch@cnn.com
We'll be bringing you pitches every Thursday in the CNN NewsRoom.
What Google Knows About You
Google's new Dashboard tool is designed to help you learn what information the Internet giant has kept about you. As CNNMoney.com reports, it's getting a lot of attention – but some privacy advocates say it's not enough.
What do you think?
The company is also announcing it will offer free Wi-Fi at more than 40 airports this holiday season. You can read more on that here.
They Steal, You Pay
In the Newsroom today, we're reporting on a new study that finds a "shocking" increase in store theft – including shoplifting, employee theft, and supply chain fraud. It costs billions every year - and leads to higher costs for every American family. Have you seen, or been a victim of, one of these crimes? What should be done?
President’s War Strategy
President Barack Obama is asking for revisions to options he previously received for sending more troops to Afghanistan, according to a senior administration official. The war council – made up of top Cabinet, Pentagon and administration officials – met with the President for the eighth time Wednesday to discuss a request by the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan for up to 40,000 more troops
What do you think the president’s military strategy should be in Afghanistan?
Post your comments here, and Heidi will read some of them in the Newsroom, from 9-11am ET.
Technology Instantly Tracks the Sound of Gunfire
It took a civilian police officer roughly four minutes to respond to calls from Fort Hood last Thursday. There may be a way to get police on the scene even faster.
A new software can detect the sound of a gun shot within one second of a trigger being pulled. And that's not all it does. Tech expert Mario Armstrong drops in on the CNN Newsroom with a little show and tell.
Join TJ Holmes and Betty Nguyen weekend mornings in the CNN Newsroom, 6am ET/ 3am PT.
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