Phem: Web | Blog | Magazine: Sole Satisfaction

By: Brook
I recently came across Toms One for One website where I found these amazing boots. Now don't get me wrong, this blog isn't going to get consumer centered, you know we purchase with a purpose here at Phem! Now not only have I found a boot that will conform themselves around my powerful calves like other boots refuse to do (except for the dreary UGG which I just refuse for numerous reasons), rather it is to tell you about this fantastic company, their mission, and their kick ass...well... kicks!

Here's the deal with Tom-for every shoe you buy through tomsshoes.com, he donates one to children in Argentina and South Africa who cannot afford to buy shoes. Since 2006, Toms has donated more than 50,000 shoes to children and plans to extend the program to kids here in the United States. The shoes are organic, a lot are vegan (like my lovely boot there) and the fabrics and styles are vibrant and inspired by the traditional rope-soled Argentine alpargate.

From Tom's website:

ONE FOR ONE
TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about.

OUR STORY
In 2006 an American traveler, Blake Mycoskie, befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by caring TOMS customers. Since our beginning, TOMS has given over 150,000* pairs of shoes to children in need through the One for One model. Because of your support, TOMS plans to give over 300,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world in 2009. Our ongoing community events and Shoe Drop Tours allow TOMS supporters and enthusiasts to be part of our One for One movement. Join us.

WHY SHOES?
Most children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or just getting around, these children are at risk. Walking is often the primary mode of transportation in developing countries. Children can walk for miles to get food, water, shelter and medical help. Wearing shoes literally enables them to walk distances that aren't possible barefoot. 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.

There is one simple solution...SHOES. Of the planet's six billion people, four billion live in conditions inconceivable to many. Lets take a step towards a better tomorrow.

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