Saving The World, One Shoe At A Time

I am going to assume that everyone has heard enough bad news the past few weeks. If it is not a financial conundrum, it is a moral one, and with increasing anxiety and division as we approach Election Day, I personally needed a break.

Lucky for me, my job as Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS Shoes regularly provides such departure, and yesterday, for the first time, it did so on U.S. soil.

Me!

Two and a half years ago I had an idea to start a shoe company where every pair we sold would be matched with a pair given to a child in need. What started as a "project" to give 250 kids in Argentina their first pair of new shoes has unexpectedly become one of the fastest growing shoe companies on the planet -- and in the process TOMS Shoes have given over 85,000 shoes to children in need around the world. Needless to say, it has also changed my life in a powerful way.

Until yesterday, our giving efforts have focused on countries like Ethiopia, South Africa, and Argentina. Without a doubt, the most frequently asked question I receive since I started TOMS has been, "What about kids in the U.S.?", which led me to conduct extensive research on the topic. What I found was that most kids, even those living in disaster recovery zones, have access to a pair of shoes. However, the disclaimer I found with that fact is that almost all their shoes are hand-me-downs that often fit improperly and sometimes, they are required to share shoes among several siblings. What stood out the most in my research was how difficult life could be for these kids -- many still living in FEMA trailers while their homes are rebuilt -- and that rarely a day comes when they can just have fun.

Our growth at TOMS Shoes has come in part through parties called Style Your Sole, where participants spend an evening -- from summer camps to college nights to 40th birthday parties -- designing their own TOMS Shoes and sharing the story of our One for One movement. Each attendee starts with a white pair of shoes and customizes them with art supplies, knowing that not only will they end up with a creation all their own but a child somewhere in the world will be receiving a pair of shoes on their behalf. These parties are tons of fun, and I thought they could be the perfect fit for the children I read about living in our country's disaster recovery zones. How perfect for the children to not only receive what might be the first pair of shoes that are truly theirs, but to be able to express themselves on those shoes. Their new shoes aren't just new, they belong to them in every aspect.

TOMS is visiting schools in four districts and we plan to reach 3,500 elementary students. The schools we are visiting are still recovering from Hurricane Katrina. We have visited two schools as of yesterday, and the feedback we are receiving has been inspiring and fulfilling. Katie Hodge, a student nurse at Gaston Point Elementary, wrote in and told us for the first time in a long time, kids at her school had something to be excited about.

We can't wait to finish the week strong. Our volunteers are amazing and they inspire me to keep doing what we do best: sell shoes so children everywhere, in every community, know that they are cared for. Even though the economy is in bad shape and the election is bitter, there are people taking the small step to change the world.

*** To find out more visit the TOMS Shoes website or Blake's personal blog.

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Read about Blake on CNN Money here.

Comments

[kymlosang]

you have the best job ever! i felt so happy to see the photos of the little girl smiling with her new shoes. now my only question is why arent there more companies who operate in the fashion of tom's shoes? so great to know that not all companies thrive on greed but there is one called tom's that thrives on love. yea!

[ArgentinaShoesUnited]

Way to Go Blake ! You are sending a message to the U.S. that HISPANICS have some strength ! Argentinean shoes - in the U.S. giving back to blacks - excellent choice. HISPANICS - although we are not running for presidency - are very much interested in the Direction of this Country . HISPANICS should feel a connectedness with Blacks , Whites - All races - but, its nice to see a shoe player competing with Asian markets.

I really hope for your success ... VOTE ! and keep up the hard work ... It shows !

Way to Go ! Give those shoes away ! Give and Make more South American shoes YUM!

[SoleSalvation]

Blake, We are a small non-profit caled SoleSalvation in Seattle Wa. our motto is "Shoeing The World One Pair At A Time" Last April we delivered over 700 pair of new shoes to the children of the dump in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. In May we shoed over 450 low-income families in Shoreline Wa. and we are currently gearing up for 2009 with missions to the children of Chiapas Mexico and also to finish up with the children in the dump in P.V. We also collect new shoes for the foster kids of the Northwest for back to school and work on that all year. You can visit our web-site at solesalvation.org and watch our video of the shoe drop in Mexico and also a slideshow of a lot of happy children. You can also find out how to help "Someone to Walk a Mile in Your Shoes" Keep up the good work and we will too.

Sincerely,
James Ronald/SoleSalvation

[ArgentinaShoesUnited]

It is neat to see a South American country doing some work other than Mexico - I'm sure this will broaden Hispanics - widening, opening up manufacturing & giving back to the U.S. - so the 'world' can see. Keep up the good work with manufacturing, giving back & work in the U.S.

I'm from New Jersey and it's refreshing to see HISPANICS giving & producing - manufacturing in the U.S. Great job ! Giving to our own - excellent idea !

[ArgentinaShoesUnited]

Jesus freak - that may just be random - Duh - Although we got your point

spreading Jesus one blog at a time - sure mate

[awakecdn]

I'm impressed - by both you and the Huff post to feature you on their site. Someone needed to take the lead and give us some positive, authentic and inspirational stories which helps balance the superficial ones filled with greed. Hopefully we will see more - I have a feeling your energy is contagious.

[mouthy1]

I have been a huge fan of your project since it's inception. Your group is making such a positive difference in the most needy parts of the world.

However, when I scrolled down to the bottom of the page, I was surprised and saddened to see the ad for the "The God Who Wasn't There," a DVD that "lays out the case that Jesus Christ never existed."

I'm hoping that your site just gets random ads. Although I believe that this program is "Saving the World one Shoe at a Time," the real hope for a peaceful future lies in Jesus Christ, the true "Savior of the World."

Thanks for all you do, mates.

[nowalnuts]

This is such a great project and so inspiring! I agree with the poster below that it's things like this that make me wish I had millions of dollars to donate but I guess there's no shame in starting small!

[TedB]

Stories like this give me faith in humanity. Bravo Blake.

[Ed Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

You are a blessing

You bring us joy

Ed & Deb

[hope4flowers]

i love reading about these good things happening in the world.These stories belong on the front pages of websites like Huffpo.We all need our faith in humanity re-affirmed..
...We need to also see more support for organisations that work to lift families out of poverty..both in the US and worldwide.So much work to do.Thanks Blake for doing your part..and so creatively.

[prycee48]

There should be more stories like this in the news. There are many people out there who contribute and help in their own way, whether it's internationally, nationally, or locally. I personally have purchased 6 pairs of Toms shoes in the past year --- they are comfortable and give me a good feeling to know that someone else is wearing a pair because of me. Good work Blake!

[WillCooney]

It's companies like this that make me wish that I would win the Lottery and donate thousands to worthy charities. At 63 years old, there is nothing I need and, if I can't make one million make a million more then, I don't deserve it.