TOMS Shoes is a fantastic organization about which I’ll be writing more later (the short version: for every pair of shoes you buy, they provide a pair of shoes to a child in need. Every Pair), and Blake Mycoskie, the founder and “head shoe giver” is a brilliant example of hitting the right idea at the right time and being super smart about how he grows a movement, making change cool and desirable.
Tomorrow, April 8, people everywhere are going without shoes by choice, to help spread awareness of the difference a pair of shoes can make in the life of a child. One Day Without Shoes is being joined by some star power as well, like young actresses Kristen Bell, Heather Graham (“I’m pretty nervous about it because I live in New York City and it’s really, really gross here.”), and Brittany Snow.
Most people in developing companies grow up barefoot.
- In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to school, clean water, and to seek medical help.
- Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.
- Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.
- In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil.
- Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with basic foot hygiene and wearing shoes.
Think about your feet, kick off your Manolos or Timberlands, and then commit to making a difference (shopping for TOMS shoes is an easy, one-for-one way to lend a hand).
Change by Doing 
Posted by Emma on April 9, 2010 at 6:06 PM
Super bummed I didn’t hear about this sooner! Great ad though, well done Toms.