Lance Clark of Clarks and other personalities from the British...

Lance Clark of Clarks and other personalities from the British footwear industry have set a charitable trust to help AIDS victims in South Africa and their families. Unemployed and unskilled women in that country are being taught to hand-stitch moccasins developed by their companies, starting with a mule in different colors. The new program should provide them with an income and generate a profit to help maintain orphanages for children whose parents have died from AIDS. This Shoes South Africa initiative will be one of the highlights of the Footwear UK show that will be held in Birmingham next Feb. 15-17. South Africa and China will have national pavilions at the fair, which is nearly sold out with a total of more than 315 brands occupying 9,000 square meters. A new “Toezone” self-measuring concept will be demonstrated on the Wearside stand at the fair. Pre-registered visitors (visit www.footwearuk.co.uk website to do this) and nominated VIP buyers will have access to a complimentary breakfast between 9 and 9:30 am.