The Flip Flop Appeal

Walking in Solidarity Since 2005

Flip-flops are the everyday footwear of many of the world’s poorest communities. Their simplicity, resilience and symbolism of daily struggle are why the flip-flop features on SERVE’s logo – and why it sits at the heart of our flagship fundraising campaign.

The Flip Flop Appeal began in 2005 and has become one of SERVE’s strongest traditions of solidarity. It allows us to share the inspiring story of our partners in Thailand and to advocate with the Irish public for vulnerable communities around the world.

⭐ Handmade With Dignity in Nong Khai, Thailand

Since 2005, SERVE has worked closely with the Good Shepherd Sisters in Nong Khai, Thailand, who run income-generating projects empowering women to become self-sufficient, live with dignity and support their families.

Through their social enterprise, Hands of Hope, local artisans – including women, men living with HIV, and others who have experienced hardship – create beautifully crafted flip-flop pins, magnets and gifts.

For the Flip Flop Appeal, SERVE purchases all flip-flop pins and magnets directly from Hands of Hope at a fair and agreed-upon price. This ensures reliable income for the artisans and supports the long-term sustainability of the project. These items are then sold through the appeal or used as part of our online fundraising efforts.

Each piece is made using traditional Thai techniques and locally sourced, sustainable materials, including vibrant fabrics and handmade saa paper created from the bark of the mulberry tree – a natural, renewable fibre widely used in Thai craftwork. This blend of sustainability, skill and creativity reflects both the heritage of the community and the pride the artisans take in their work.

Behind every pin is a story of resilience, craftsmanship and hope – and the belief that dignified work can transform lives.

⭐ Fair Trade, Ethical Partnership

Our relationship with Hands of Hope is built on partnership – not charity.

By purchasing items directly, we:

  • Support fair wages and stable livelihoods.
  • Help maintain a social enterprise that offers dignified work.
  • Uphold ethical, sustainability-minded fundraising practices.
  • Create double impact: supporting artisans in Thailand and communities across SERVE’s global programmes.

Every flip-flop pin you buy has already supported the artisan who made it.

⭐ A Partnership Rooted in Compassion

We remain deeply grateful to the Redemptorist community, whose long-standing support and hospitality have sustained the Flip Flop Appeal for over two decades. 

Their commitment allows SERVE to continue walking alongside vulnerable communities with compassion, justice and hope.

⭐ You Support Creates Global Impact

Income from the Flip Flop Appeal directly supports SERVE’s work across Asia and Africa, including:

  • Education and entrepreneurship opportunities
  • Community and Youth Development
  • Emergency and crises response
  • Accredited vocational and skills training
  • Health and HIV support services
  • Disability inclusion

Each year, thousands of young people gain access to opportunity because of these programmes – and the Flip Flop Appeal plays a vital part in sustaining them.

⭐ Walk With Us

By supporting the Flip Flop Appeal – purchasing a pin, making an online donation or sharing the message – you are:

  • Strengthening SERVE's global development programmes.
  • Empowering artisans in Thailand.
  • Helping build futures grounded in dignity and opportunity.
  • Supporting fair-trade, sustainable income.

Walk with SERVE. Support the Flip Flop Appeal.

Together, we can take steps that make a lasting difference.