Today is April 5th, 2011. This means that it is the TOMS One Day Without Shoes event. It's a day to creatively spread the awareness of the cause that TOMS shoes was founded for. That is, to rid our world of the unnecessary reality that thousands of children (and adults) go every day without shoes.
It's an epidemic that is often not thought of; but the reality is that thousands suffer from serious infections from cuts and sores on their feet, just because they don't have shoes. In Ethiopia alone, one million people are suffering from podoconiosis - a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil. In some countries children are not allowed to attend school just for the fact that they don't have shoes. Podoconiosis and other foot infections/diseases are 100% preventable just by teaching proper foot hygiene and wearing shoes.
This stark reality is what caused the founding of TOMS shoes. It's a self-sustaining charity that sells shoes. For every pair that is purchased, another pair is given to a child in developing countries. It's one for one. They are innovative in breaking the mold of what helping others can look like. It's effective, and fosters a sense of commonality & purpose for those who support TOMS shoes.
For these reason I have chosen to go shoe-less for today to partner with TOMS in spreading the awareness that thousands go every day without shoes. It's been merely 4 hours into my day and I am already realizing just how valuable and essential shoes are. I am realizing how much we take for granted and don't even think about the idea of not having shoes; as we are surrounded, in North America, by the assurance of clothing, food, heat, a home - the list goes on and on. So, today I remember, I am thankful and I resolve to take action by not just standing by.
