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You may have recognized that TOMS does things a little differently. We embark on ideas that some people question and others embrace. Our biggest campaign of the year is no different.
On April 8, we're asking everyone to go barefoot for One Day Without Shoes. But why would a shoe company ask people around the world not to wear shoes?
I think sometimes we forget what we have, and occasionally it's important to remind ourselves. Most people don't even realize how many children in developing countries grow up barefoot and all the risks, infections and diseases they endure. For most of us, modern shoes our so comfortable and accessible, we all but forget about our feet, but they are a source of constant focus for others. I wanted everyone to personally understand the impact of shoes, and the difference they can make, so we thought, "Why don't we get a taste of what these kids go through every day?"
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The great thing about an event like One Day Without Shoes is that it's so easy to participate. We've had some supporters go barefoot for 20 minutes and others have gone barefoot for months! We have people participating in our neighborhood and we have people participating in Qatar, Jerusalem, Australia, and all around the world. Kristen Bell, Matisyahu, Morgan Spurlock, and Heather Graham are participating... so are my parents, Kindergarten teachers, 750+ college campuses, lawyers, and senators.
We even have people participating virtually by blogging barefoot, using a One Day avatar for Twitter, or switching out their Facebook profile pic to help spread awareness.
On any other day of the year I'd probably ask you to wear your TOMS or go pick up a new style- but on Thursday April 8th, go barefoot. Yes, you'll get some funny looks and your feet will definitely get dirty... but you'll also be part of a movement that is helping provide new shoes for millions of children who need them.
Register at OneDayWithoutShoes.com and you'll be entered to win a spot on a TOMS Shoe Drop too!
> where are they made
> who makes them (union workers, workers in supervised plants, etc.)
> what's the profit margin (like how much does Tom get out of each sale)
I guess this is a worthy cause, but these are not inexpensive shoes for most of us. In fact, most of our kids wear flipflops all summer for the very same reason that the kids overseas do - they're cheap. In Austin, flipflops are the official shoe. You go into offices, and you see people in work clothes WITH FLIPFLOPS on.
Broken toe obtained August 1994 while building an Old Navy. Dropped a piece of shelving the size of a door on its edge onto my foot. Wasn't wearing steel-toed boots at the time.
Flip flops are all ya need.
All throughout Asia, even some of the pretty developed countries, many labourers still wear flip flops when doing manual labour - it's not that big a deal.
Sometimes we're aghast simply because we 'cannot imagine what it must be like'.
http://www.starbamboo.com/category/bamboo/
Yet, Sarah, you do raise a good question about implementation. I wonder though if TOMS is more concerned with quality of awareness over quantity. The most profound difference is brought about by both.
Peace,
Branson
Sorry if I may seem critical, but after living in communities where wearing shoes is not an option, for me, there is no alternative.