TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS gives a pair of new shoes to a child in need. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit Ethiopian children in need.
Since its founding in May 2006, American internet entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie has given over 150,000 pairs of shoes to children through the One for One model.
The business plan calls for giving over 300,000 pairs of shoes in 2009.
Mission of TOMS (which is short for, Tomorrow’s Shoes):
Most children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or just getting around, these children are at risk. Children can walk for miles to get food, water, shelter and medical help.
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.
The answer is SHOES.
To help, check out the styles and selection and consider a purchase at www.tomsshoes.com
Watch the CBS News report about TOMS in Ethiopia: