Vivobarefoot forgoes profit on Mongolian slipper project
23/11/2023
Asral, which means ‘care’ in Mongolian, was founded by Tibetan Buddhist leader the Venerable Panchen Ötrul Rinpoche. It provides training programmes, community spaces, a hot meal project for children, and houses the Made in Mongolia (MIM) slipper felt-making project.
Each pair of MIM natural wool felt slippers has been handcrafted by female artisans who have honed their skills through training provided by Asral, using local wool. The wool shapes around the foot and, with no insole and only a supple leather outsole for grip, they create an ideal barefoot feeling, according to the company.
Funds raised from sales also support 100 children in three state-run orphanages.
Vivobarefoot initially ordered 2,000 pairs of MIM slippers, and sales were so successful it has ordered a further 6,000. “With all profits going straight back to benefit the community where they are made, it is a collaboration we are incredibly proud of,” said Vivobarefoot.
Share this story:
