One for One- BareFoot

So I recently discovered the company TOM's shoes.. About two weeks ago, one of my classmates came to class without shoes. This seemed a bit odd, especially when he went to the restroom without shoes (yuck!). So instead of completely judging him, I decided to ask him why he didn't have on any shoes and he told me all about TOM's shoes and what a great company it is and how for every shoe you buy, the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in a country that is unable to afford them. Then he told about the "Day without Shoes" which occurs on April 8th. It is exactly what it says it is...the day is supposed to bring awareness to the millions of children/people around the world that are unable to afford proper shoes. I thank my classmate for having the courage to participate in this movement, in spite of the judgment that people in professional school may pass on him.


I know that in the morning when I am getting ready to go to class, I don't stress out about NOT having shoes to wear, I am usually more concerned with what shoe will look better with my outfit...Honestly I want to purchase a pair a Tom's shoes, but maybe later on in the summer, when I start making some money. Below is some facts that I got from their website. Enjoy!


One Day Without Shoes is the day we spread awareness about the impact a simple pair of shoes can have on a child’s life. On April 8th, we ask people to go the day, part of the day or even just a few minutes, barefoot, to experience a life without shoes first-hand, and inspire others at the same time.

It’s Hard Without Shoes

Through everyday encounters with domestic poverty, we are reminded to appreciate having food and shelter, but most of us all but forget about our feet. Food, shelter, AND shoes facilitate life’s fundamentals. Imagine a life without shoes; constantly aware of the ground in front of you, suffering regular cuts and scrapes, tending to infection after each walk, and enduring not only terrain, but heat and cold.

The problem is large, but the solution is simple. Wearing shoes and practicing basic hygiene can prevent both infection and disease due to unsafe roads and contaminated soil. By imagining a life barefoot, we can all contribute to the awareness of these conditions. On April 8th, communities, campuses, organizations, and individuals are banding together to walk barefoot for One Day Without Shoes.

Take a walk with us on April 8th, 2010.

Facts:

• In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to school, clean water and to seek medical help.
• Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.
• Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.
• In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil.
• Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with proper foot hygiene.

Until Next Time...