Legendary Hip-hop Icon/ Actor, Ludacris made quite an impression this week as he, in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz and the nonprofit Shoes That Fit, handed out over 1200 pairs of tennis shoes to students in Atlanta. As part of the Mercedes Season to Shine program, employee’s at MBUSA are encouraged to give new shoes to Shoes That Fit, which are donated to students at select schools as a way of providing a much needed resource. Ludacris, a brand ambassador for Mercedes, joined with MBUSA employee volunteers in the distribution of the sneakers.

The sneakers were given out to kids at Leonora P. Miles Intermediate Elementary and Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy in Atlanta. The Season to Shine program is an integral part of MBUSA’s national corporate social responsibility program, ‘Driving Your Future,’ an initiative to empower the next generation through educational programs, career readiness, and child safety.

“We are thrilled to partner with Shoes That Fit, and to have donated sneakers to students across the country; this is a tangible step to ensure children arrive at school with confidence – prepared to learn, play and succeed”
Dimitris Psillakis, president / CEO MBUSA.

The partnership with Ludacris, MBUSA and Shoes That Fit in the Atlanta area will help families keep money in their pockets, and give young boys and girl’s confidence to excel. Shoes That Fit has turned into one of the largest organizations, providing over 2.5+ million pairs of new shoes and necessities to children in thousands of schools across America. A native of Atlanta, Ludacris is considered an amazing role model and advocate in the communities of Atlanta. In addition to being a brand ambassador of Mercedes-Benz, it was announced that Grammy-Award winning Ludacris will be the recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in early 2023.

“Shoes are intrinsically important to kids. Too many families are forced to choose rent and food over shoes, leaving children wearing shoes that hurt, embarrass them, cause them to miss out on physical activities, and sometimes miss school altogether. New shoes make a basic and lasting impact,” said Amy Fass, CEO and Executive Director of Shoes That Fit.

The Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Lisa Herring stated, “give them an opportunity to have great confidence as they walk in confidence through new shoes that have been provided for them.”