One Day Without Shoes 2015
I talk a lot about “shopping your values” and “voting with your dollars,” making each and every purchase count towards something that matters to you, whether that’s putting more money back into your local economy by supporting locally owned and independent businesses, getting your food from small batch producers and farmers markets, buying only Made in USA and ethically produced garments, or choosing products that give back to good causes in some other way.
What kind of difference can a single purchase seriously make? PLENTY. If that purchase is a pair of shoes from TOMS the answer is global impact. We have a saying in animal rescue that “Saving one animal may not change the world, but the world changes for that one animal.” Buying one pair of shoes from TOMS will change the world for one person or child in need, and if — like me — you’ve ever wondered exactly what that impact looks like, here’s a glimpse:
Shoes can protect feet from illness.
1.4 billion people lack regular access to health care servies, leaving many children susceptible to water and soil-borne illnesses, which can be transmitted through the feet. (World Health Organization, 2012) In Guatemala, TOMS works with Talita Kumi, a Giving Partner that distributes Wet-Weather Slip-Ons to protect kids’ feet from the rainy muddy seasons and parasites like hookworm.
Shoes can help treat disease.
At least 4 million people in 15 countries are affected by podoconiosis, a debilitating disease that causes painful swelling of the feet and legs. (World Health Organization, 2013) In Ethiopia, TOMS partners with IOCC to produce specially made boots to treat and reverse the effects of podoconiosis, which are then distributed in local clinics supported by TOMS.
Shoes can increase access to education.
Providing children with school uniforms, which often include shoes, can increase school attendance by up to 62%. (Evans, 2009) In India, TOMS works with Magic Bus programs to distribute TOMS School Shoes and encourage children to attend school regularly, which reduces their chances of dropping out.
Shoes provide comfort.
There are over 43.7 million refugees around the world. Nearly half are children, spending their childhoods away from home without access to basic amenities, which can include warm shoes. (UNHCR) TOMS works with Save the Children to distribute TOMS new Winter Boots to children living at refugee camps like the Za’atari Refugee Camp in Jordan to help the kids stay warm during the coldest months.
Shoes can improve learning ability.
Amblyopia (lazy eye) is an eye condition that if left untreated, can permanently affect a child’s learning ability. (Stanford University/REAP, 2014). Nearly 4 million children suffer from amblyopia, and TOMS is currently working with REAP to study the effects of shoes as an incentive for seeking treatment by distributing their Red Canvas Slip-On to preschool children in China who received screening and participated in treatment.
Shoes can encourage healthy lifestyles.
Childhood obesity has more than doubled in the past 30 years. (Ogden, 2014) Right here in the US, TOMS works with nonprofit LA’s BEST to distribute Sports Shoes to children enrolled in its BEST Fit program, which integrates shoes into health programming with a focus on physical activity and nutrition, and encourages kids to become advocates for healthier lifestyles.
Today, until midnight EST tonight, you can provide TOMS Shoes for up to 1 million more people around the world WITHOUT EVEN BUYING ANYTHING. All you have to do is take a photo of your bare feet and post it to Instagram with the hashtag #WithoutShoes to raise awaress for One Day Without Shoes. For every photo of bare feet tagged #WithoutShoes on Instagram, TOMS is going to actually give a new pair of shoes to a child in need — no purchase necessary (limit one photo per person, public Instagram accounts only).
So what are you waiting for? Get to ‘gramming!
I’ve been a HUGE fan of TOMS for years, and back in March I had the absolute pleasure of meeting and spending the weekend with Bethany Joy Clark, TOMS Director of Community, at Texas Style Council CAMP, where we rode horses and shed tears and had Oprah moments and connected as a community over the impact we can make through our voices, blogs, support of one another, and, yes, by being more selective about the brands to whom we give our consumer loyalty.
If you’re looking to add some TOMS to your own wardrobe, and make even more of an impact, I highly recommend TOMS sunnies and wellies (which I wear in kids size, adult sizes coming soon!), and I just scored a pair of their new huaraches, which I cannot WAIT to wear. Pro tip: right now, Nordstrom Rack has a HUGE selection of discounted TOMS in various popular styles, like the slip-ons and sandals, and TONS of colors and patterns, which is where I picked up the ones I’m sporting above. They were just $30 give or take, and each and every one of those dollars is now working toward things that are super important to me! It’s a good feeling. I highly recommend it.
Please note: by clicking any TOMS link, or the banner ad below, you’ll be supporting all this greatness, but also a portion of your purchase will also support keeping Shoestring online. We were not paid or otherwise compensated for this post by TOMS for this post, just love the brand and if you happen to, as well, we all win-win-win. The yellow sunnies I’m wearing at Round Top Antiques with my whippet, Jack, were a gift from TOMS at TxSC — the yellow rain boots were purchased by me at full price at the TOMS Store on South Congress here in Austin, TX.