For Immediate Release: November 20, 2018
Contact: Shannon Craig Straw, Shannon@westendstrategy.com, 202-674-5921
WASHINGTON – Today, footwear company TOMS announced their “End Gun Violence Together,” campaign aimed at helping end the gun violence epidemic. TOMS will invest $5 million into organizations across the country that are committed to addressing the complex nature of gun violence through various tactics including programming in communities of color, mental health, research and policy, suicide prevention and more.
Faith in Action and their LIVE FREE Campaign received a portion of the TOMS investment along with six other organizations.
The Rev. Michael McBride, director of the LIVE FREE Campaign, which works to reduce gun violence, expressed the following.
“The gun violence epidemic in our country is shameful because we know that death by guns can be prevented. Our leaders cannot continue to offer thoughts and prayers that that aren’t paired with legislative action. Common sense gun laws and public health interventions are the least we can do to save lives.
“As people of faith, we know that we are bound together in our shared humanity. It can never be too soon to work to save even one life by advocating for policies and programs that address the root causes of violence. We look forward to working with the other TOMS partners on ending gun violence by implementing proven prevention measures.”
McBride’s nationally recognized work with Ceasefire has led to double-digit reductions in gun violence in cities across the country, and he was also part of Faith in Action’s rapid response delegation to Ferguson, Flint, Baltimore, Baton Rouge and Charlotte. He is available for interview.
The Rev. Alvin Herring, executive director for Faith in Action shared his gratitude for McBride’s leadership on ending gun violence.
“For years, LIVE FREE has been a leader in stopping the cycle of violence that traumatizes our communities and destroys families. Their work is the expression of God’s love and is stemming the cycle of violence and I am incredibly grateful for TOMS commitment to support initiatives such as LIVE FREE.”
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Faith in Action, formerly known as PICO National Network, is the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States. The nonpartisan organization works with 1,000 religious congregations in more than 200 cities and towns through its 46 local and state federations. For more information visit www.faithinaction.org.
