TOMS - 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.
- [TOMS movement]

For Christmas this year, I decided to give my friends gifts that supported great causes (Toms, Charity Water) and also gave them something to remind them of what their gift supported.

I was moved by TOMS specifically when I was studying parasitology about a year and a half ago. You can prevent hookworm infections by simply wearing shoes. The fact that there are so many children in hookworm-infested areas that don't have shoes merely propagates the parasite.

Of course, the TOMS website explains it better:
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 if you're interested, the shoes are comfortable, canvas, and have leather insoles. Wouldn't recommend wearing them in snow, rain, etc. I can't imagine that they would be the best shoes to wear in the mud. (Which makes me question the design/fabric for South America/Africa when it rains.. but that's just me..) Apparently they sell them in Nordstrom now. And they can be pretty spendy.. but just think that you're really buying two pairs of shoes. Even though you can't use it as a tax write-off.
Well chittlins, my freshly washed sheets are calling my name.
Goodnight and good luck.

I need to make a special shout out to my Aunt Rhonda whose birthday it is today! Can't wait to celebrate with you in Mexico. Thanks for pressuring me to blip on time. Wink. Love you!