Toms Shoes!
Posted by Amanda , Wednesday, February 17, 2010 3:23 PM
One of the things I love the most is finding practical ways to change my life and the lives of those around me. There are so many small opportunities out there to make change, but we just don't look hard enough or feel like it's too much work. Well...it's not!
Most of you buy shoes, right?
...I'm pretty sure that's a yes.
About a year ago, I discovered something called Toms shoes and I was blown away. A man named Blake Mycoskie met some children when he was traveling in Argentina and realized their need for shoes. After that, he created a shoe company, where every pair of shoes bought provides another pair of shoes for a child in need. One for one. You buy the shoes, another pair is made for a child who really needs them. Such an easy way to help a child! Not to mention, the shoes are stinkin' awesome.
Here's a little excerpt from their website about why they chose shoes:
Why shoes?
Most children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or just getting around, these children are at risk.
Walking is often the primary mode of transportation in developing countries. Children can walk for miles to get food, water, shelter and medical help. Wearing shoes literally enables them to walk distances that aren't possible barefoot.
Wearing shoes prevents feet from getting cuts and sores on unsafe roads and from contaminated soil. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected.
The leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted parasites which penetrate the skin through open sores. Wearing shoes can prevent this and the risk of amputation.
Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential.
There is one simple solution...SHOES.
Of the planet's six billion people, four billion live in conditions inconceivable to many. Lets take a step towards a better tomorrow.
So....go buy some shoes! :)
Link to the website: TOMS SHOES
so creative and practical... thanks for sharing this website... i will check it out and share...