Brasília, October 21, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Today, in the Planalto Palace in Brasília (DF), the Zero Hunger Program is receiving a donation from entrepreneurs who belong to the Syndicate of Footware and Clothing Industries of Birigüi, in the interior of São Paulo. Directors of the organization are delivering 100 thousand pairs of shoes to President Lula and the First Lady, Marisa Letícia, honorary president of the NGO, Zero Hunger Support.

The estimated value is R$ 2.5 million, and the shipment is equivalent to six truckloads. The shoes will be sent to regional coordinating offices of the Children's Pastoral around the country. The Post Office will be in charge of distribution.

Birigüi is the site of the largest manufacturing pole of children's footwear in Latin America, with over 150 firms. The city produces 300 thousand pairs each working day (67 million pairs annually) and exports approximately 10% of this total to various countries in South America, Central America, Europe, and the Middle East. (DAS)