Wednesday, April 10, 2013

one day without shoes

It's no doubt that TOMS has become a stylish and well known brand. In fact, it's one that I love. Their products are high quality and super comfortable.

Something I love even more than their shoes (or shirts or eyewear) is their mission: One For One... For every pair of shoes they sell, they donate a pair of shoes to a child in need of shoes (in multiple countries around the world). For every pair of glasses they sell, they donate eye care to someone in need. Their company's entire foundation and purpose is to give back...and I really dig that.

Arabella and I sport our TOMS regularly and proudly. But April 16, 2013, we're going without them...

Tuesday, AJ and I are going #onedaywithoutshoes along with the rest of the TOMS community in order to raise awareness for kids in need.

Inspire people to ask questions; inspire people to learn; inspire people to act.

Make a difference.

Random questions. Thorough answers.

What's the date this year?

One Day Without Shoes is on April 16, 2013.

How do I get involved?

Simple: Go without shoes on April 16! Better yet, get a group of friends/classmates/co-workers to go without shoes – you’ll be joining thousands around the world in a global movement.

What's the best way to get the word out?

Our DIY toolkit has lots of creative ways that you can help spread the word. From stencils for t-shirts to stickers, there are lots great ways to raise awareness for a good cause.

Are there places that it is culturally common to not wear shoes?

Yes, there are some places in the world where going barefoot is widely accepted. But when children are affected by disease and illness, or unable to attend school due to inadequate footwear, it is not about a cultural preference, but about the need for protection. One Day Without Shoes is about raising awareness for children's global health and education issues.

How can I get involved beyond One Day Without Shoes?

We are so excited that you are interested in doing more! There are many barriers to children’s health and education. We encourage you to find a solution you are passionate about supporting, such as education, clean water, agriculture, microfinance, health or child labor. There are lots of organizations working to improve children’s health and education worldwide that need support. Need a place to start? Check out TOMS Giving Partners. We are working on getting a list online. Until then, please check out the TOMS blog at http://blog.toms.com to see some of them.

Who gives TOMS Shoes to children in need?

TOMS Shoes are given through a network of humanitarian organizations – our Giving Partners – that serve impoverished communities worldwide. Each organization provides TOMS Shoes to children in need along with their pre-existing health, education and community development programs. As of January 2013, TOMS works with over 75 Shoe Giving Partners in over 50 countries worldwide!