Setting an example against poverty with sports

Climbing the Kilimanjaro in Tanzania had an important, overriding goal. Together with a group of around 20 participants, the two health shoe entrepreneurs Karl Müller and Claudio Minder raised over 300’000 CHF for a local mother-child project.

Karl and Claudio were drawn to Tanzania, because they wanted to pay respect to the origin of the health shoes, which were inspired exactly 25 years ago by the upright and natural gait of the Massai nomads, and, in addition, to raise sponsorship money for the poorest in the region.

Karl and Claudio with the Massai in traditional robes.

In collaboration with the Christian relief organization “Compassion”, the Joya founders support a mother-child project. With the donations already collected, they will support more than 300 mothers and newborns for an entire year, so that they can receive optimal medical care and be freed from poverty. "As entrepreneurs, we want to leave our mark on our society, but we also want to set an example against extreme poverty," says Claudio Minder.

"We were able to see a deep joy for life in the sparkling eyes of these children. Despite extreme poverty, they are grateful for the tiny little things in life. This makes everyone aware of how privileged we are and what really matters in life," Karl and Claudio explain.

More impressions and memories about their unique experience in Tansania in the TV report of Tele Top here:

Kilimanjaro Adventure - The Mother-Child Program

Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world and life is a daily struggle for survival. Extreme diseases add to the fact that many children become orphans and must take responsibility for their house and siblings at a very early age. They grow up under unimaginable circumstances and almost half of the children under the age of 5 are underdeveloped in their physical growth, due to malnutrition. ...

Kilimanjaro Adventure - The Mother-Child Program

From Säntis to Kilimanjaro

Setting a sign against poverty with sporting commitment - in the luggage health shoes and sponsorship money for a mother-child project on site. Together with a group of around 20 participants, the two shoe manufacturers from eastern Switzerland, Karl Müller and Claudio Minder, set out on their journey. The adventure from Säntis to Kilimanjaro leads Karl and Claudio to the origin of their health shoes. As early as 25 years...

From Säntis to Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Adventure - the ascent begins

Approximately 25’000 people attempt to summit the Kilimanjaro annually, but only two thirds will be successful. The Joya founders started their ascent of 6 nights and 7 days on the so called “Whiskey Road” to the top of the Kilimanjaro! Along the way they challenged and will still challenge several climate zones. From rainforest, moorland, alpine desert to arctic summit. First thing to be recognized during the first 3 days...

Kilimanjaro Adventure - the ascent begins

Kilimanjaro Adventure - Helping children in need

In February 2022, Joya founders Karl Müller and Claudio Minder will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Joya shoes. The trip is organized by 4M Switzerland in collaboration with the charity Compassion and serves a greater cause - to raise funds for children living in extreme poverty in Tanzania. For 60 years the charity Compassion has been helping children around the world who are growing up in extreme poverty. Through sponsorships...

Kilimanjaro Adventure - Helping children in need

Kilimanjaro Adventure – Endurance Test for the Joya Active Sole

Only a few weeks until February - then Joya founders Karl Müller and Claudio Minder will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The perfect opportunity to put the Joya Active sole technology to the test before its launch. The newly developed Active sole features a combination of a soft elastic midsole and a supportive forefoot stabilizer. The sole structure is rounded off by a trekking sole, which provides a firm...

Kilimanjaro Adventure – Endurance Test for the Joya Active Sole

Kilimanjaro Adventure - The mountain from above

You can admire the beautiful snow-covered peak of the Kilimanjaro high up among the clouds best, becoming aware of its full intensity! Today's summit of Kilimanjaro originally consisted of three different peak points, formed after volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The Shira volcanic cone is now extinct and eroded, while the other two, Mawenzi and Kibo, melted together after later eruptions. Kibo is the highest today with its...

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