Thursday, 28 May 2009

  • One For One



    Genocide. Torture. Slavery. Poverty. Rape. Murder. Abuse. How much do these words weigh in your heart? They weigh heavy in mine. Some days reading the paper makes my eyes blur and my heart cry. Some times I cannot comprehend the evils of mankind and our ability to do such injustice to our own people. It disgusts me.

    But I also refuse to believe that genuinely good people no longer exist. Call me naive but I believe there is good in every person. I sincerely believe that they exist, not because of hidden agendas or underlying intentions, but because they just do. These are the people who inspire the rest of us to be like them. They inspire me to believe that small steps can lead to bigger steps.

    I believe in people like Blake Mycoskie and his movement.



    One for One
    TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: For every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of 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 a company that would match every pair of shoes sold with a pair 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 140,000* 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.

    So instead of buying another bottle of liquor, another pair of stilettos, another shirt or another cell phone, how about a pair of TOMS Shoes? And if you're a little strapped for cash then tell someone about Blake and his mission.

    I know asking for recommendations goes against Xanga etiquette but spreading the word via email, Twitter, Facebook or any other medium will do just as well. And it's just as important.

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About this Entry

    • From: Ms_Moca
    • Posted: 5/28/2009 8:59 PM