“One Day Without Shoes.”
What is it? Simply put, a day without shoes. On April 8th, TOMS is challenging people across the world to go a day, an hour, ten minutes, whatever they can, completely barefoot. Now you’re probably thinking, “Why would a SHOE COMPANY encourage folks to go BAREFOOT?” Easy. TOMS is not just a shoe company; TOMS is a movement, an advocate for change. We want to raise awareness for the MILLIONS of children around the world who go every day without the luxury of something as simple as shoes.
Why Shoes?
Fact #1: In some developing nations, many children must walk for miles to school, clean water, and to seek medical help
Fact #2: Cuts and sores on feet can lead to infection
Fact #3: Often, children cannot attend school barefoot
Fact #4: In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil
Fact #5: Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with basic foot hygiene and wearing shoes
April 8th is a day of recognition, of awareness, for those children who are hindered on a daily basis because they do not have something as simple as a pair of shoes.