TOMS was founded in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie, inspired by a trip to Argentina where he saw extreme poverty and health conditions, as well as children walking without shoes. That’s when he recognized the traditional Argentine alpargata shoe as a simple, yet revolutionary solution. He quickly set out to reinvent the alpargata for the U.S. market with a simple goal: to show how together, we can create a better tomorrow by taking compassionate action today.
To realize this mission, Blake made a commitment to match every pair of TOMS purchased with a new pair given to a child in need. One for One. “I was so overwhelmed by the spirit of the South American people, especially those who had so little,” Mycoskie said. “And I was instantly struck with the desire — the responsibility — to do more.”
During its first year in business, TOMS sold 10,000 pairs of shoes. Blake returned to Argentina later that year with family and friends and gave back to the children who had first inspired him. Thanks to supporters, TOMS gave the One Millionth pair of new shoes to a child in need in September 2010. TOMS now gives in over 50 countries and works with charitable partners in the field who incorporate shoes into their health, education, hygiene, and community development programs.
TOMS’ giving partners are made up of NGOs, charities, and non-profits already established and working in the countries in which TOMS gives. Their expertise guides TOMS to give new shoes responsibly, making sure there aren’t adverse socioeconomic effects, and to ensure that sustainable giving is possible. Giving shoes to the same children on a regular basis is the idea upon which TOMS was started, and is what truly improves the lives of children and their communities.
The Toms Movement was started by young people, and they continue to be a huge driving force. With Campus Programs and internships, compassionate young people are getting involved with TOMS like with no other brand. To keep their thumb on the pulse of the movement, many TOMS supporters stay connected with the active TOMS Community on Facebook and Twitter.
Enthusiastic college students were also responsible for getting the first One Day Without Shoes off the ground in 2008. One Day Without Shoes is the day in April when TOMS asks people to go without shoes to raise awareness of children growing up barefoot and the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child’s life. It’s grown far beyond college campuses, and in only its third year, people of all ages got involved — in 2010, over a quarter of a million people went barefoot and over 1600 barefoot events took place globally.
It didn’t take long for the world to notice this new approach to business — In 2007, TOMS was honored with the prestigious People’s Design Award from the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution. Two years later, Blake and TOMS received the 2009 ACE award by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, which recognizes companies’ commitment to corporate social responsibility, innovation, exemplary practices, and democratic values worldwide.
So... if that didn't inspire you to buy a pair maybe this will...
Charlize Theron started this Africa Outreach Program (CTAOP)
This is what she has said:
Sometimes it feels like problems in our world are so large that they cannot be solved, but I want to tell you that each of us has a part to play in making a difference.
As a native of South Africa and a UN Messenger of Peace, I have seen firsthand the devastation HIV and AIDS have inflicted throughout sub-Saharan Africa. I founded CTAOP to help shed light on the magnitude of the problem and support the efforts of African communities to battle a disease that continues to kill millions each year.
When young people anywhere are threatened, our future is threatened. The youth of Africa are particularly at risk. If Africa is ever to free itself from the stranglehold of the HIV epidemic, it’s critical that we support efforts to prevent HIV among its youth.
In Zulu, there’s a word, “Ubuntu,” which translated means, “I am because we are.” It’s the idea that to be human is to be interconnected with one another. As we are united, I believe we all have a responsibility to help each other. Together, standing in solidarity with those on the front lines in Africa, we can make a difference.
In the spirit of Ubuntu, please join me in supporting CTAOP’s efforts to help keep African youth safe from HIV and AIDS and assure a better future, not just for Africa, but for all of us.
I invite you to learn more about the great work we support. Follow us on twitter and facebook, share knowledge and see how you can be a part of the solution.
With gratitude,
If you want to learn more click here
The Toms for CTAOP are pretty cool too look below:
They're $58.00, a little more than the regular Toms I think, but if you're going to spend your money on new Toms for the Spring, this would be a really nice thing to do :)
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