HARRT to help Haiti shoe industry
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has created a Haiti-AAFA Recovery and Reconstruction Team (HARRT). HARRT is a member-led task force that will provide footwear, apparel and textile industry insight as relief operations continue in the earthquake-stricken country. These industries are very important to the country’s economy and generate a large number of jobs.
“As we support the relief work continuing on the ground in Haiti, it is important for the apparel and footwear industry to begin reconstruction activities,” said AAFA president and CEO, Kevin Burke. “I am pleased so many AAFA members have stepped up through charitable contributions and active leadership on this much-needed taskforce. Haiti will soon be on its way to full recovery.”
HARRT steering committee co-chairman Jerry Cook, senior vice president of government and trade, Hanesbrands, said: “We must do everything we can to help rebuild this industry that has positively contributed to Haiti’s economy. We have our work cut out for us as we get started making sure growth is sustainable and continues into the future.”
HARRT’s mission is to ensure that the footwear and apparel industry plays a responsible and proactive role in Haiti’s overall recovery. In the coming weeks, it will continue seeking out footwear and apparel producers who are active in Haiti and learn more about their specific needs. It will help these sectors address infrastructure issues, factory capacity levels, workforce training, responsible production and sourcing patterns.
